Dorothy May Saltmarsh

March 16, 1926 - December 28, 2020

With deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Dorothy Saltmarsh on December 28, 2020. Reunited with her beloved husband Len (2020). Dorothy was a loving mother to Mark (Linda) and Karen (Keith) and cherished grandmother to Miles (Stephanie), Kara (Tyler) and Brooke (David). Predeceased by her brother Harry Rushton and sister Isabelle Neal. Married for over 71 years, Dorothy knew from the start that life with Len was going to be interesting. Especially after their first date of a hockey game at the Barton Street Arena and a doubleheader on their NYC honeymoon! After working at Union Gas and Slater Steel she transitioned to a homemaker role where she was a powerhouse behind the scenes. Like many of her generation, Dorothy knew tough times growing up, experiences that only served to make her stronger. Over the years she stretched dollars and set a high bar for work ethic. She was a superb helpmate to Len and a fierce advocate for her kids providing opportunities she hadn’t had. Dorothy valued her independence and carved out a busy and full life. A lifetime reader, she started every day reading the papers at the crack of dawn and enjoyed attending Rabbi Baskin’s bookclub. A murder mystery fan, she was famous for always knowing “who dunnit” before the rest of us. Dorothy was a wonderful and generous Nana and even as the grandchildren got older always wanted to hear what they were up to. She also absolutely loved dogs and nothing made her happier than a canine visit. A lover of fashion and always stylish, Dorothy made aging gracefully look easy. In retirement they had more time to relax and travel. A highlight for Dorothy was a trip to China and she had wonderful memories of trips with their gang of friends including adventures with Shirley and Bob on the Polar Bear Express. They loved to entertain and Dorothy was always concerned with feeding her family and guests. After a lifetime on the homefront it is no wonder that her favourite thing to do was go out to eat! Dorothy was tenacious. If you ever made a bet with Dorothy you would know her maximum was 25 cents and she usually won! Only once, when she was 80 and still fiercely independent, did she wager a whopping $100 to prove to Len that she could remove a tree stump that had proved too challenging. Little did he know she enlisted help from her grandson who “loosened it” so she could do the final triumphant pull! Of course, all was revealed to great laughter but it was typical Dorothy to find a way to accomplish her goal. Len settled his debt. She loved their Dundas home and garden and we are grateful to her Walnut Grove friends who looked out for her. Also, we greatly appreciate the Idlewyld Manor care teams including Dorothy’s lovely companions. Everyone was kind and compassionate especially during these challenging times.