Incredible Journey

Dorothy began her life journey on a small farm in Harris Saskatchewan, August 11, 1923. Family was the centre of her life with mother Nellie, father John and her two sisters Marg and Jackie. Although they also spent time in their home in Saskatoon, Dorothy's happiest memories were of the farm. She would recall the sleighs and horses with bells at Christmas and the generosity of her mother who invited anyone for Christmas that didn't have a place to go. Early life was challenging: the loss of her father at fourteen and the lean depression years forged the resilience that Dorothy would demonstrate throughout her life.

Dorothy enjoyed her school years and she was a very good student. She played the trumpet, which she kept until recently. She fondly remembers the day when a young good-looking teacher, although "a bit full of himself" named Robert (Bob) Wright came to visit the school. Little did she know that years later, she would meet Robert again and marry him in a small civil ceremony in Saskatoon in 1947. Their zest for living started with a honeymoon to Vancouver on the back of Robert's motorcycle! That closeness and sense of adventure never left their marriage of over 50 years.

Although Dorothy always wanted to be a nurse like her older sister Marg, financially it was not an option. She began her career as a teller at the Royal Bank of Canada. Friendships were established in those first working years in Prince Albert that were maintained throughout her life. After marriage, her next career was as an executive assistant in a large corporation in Regina. Dorothy and Bob set up roots there and built their first house in which Dorothy was the construction manager. After Donnalyn was born, she stayed home for three years but returned to work for seven years until Susan and Michael were born. Robert accepted a job offer in Toronto just after Michael's birth which required him to begin immediately. Dorothy sold the family house and car, packed up three children and a dog within 6 weeks and travelled to Toronto by train.

Four years after settling in Etobicoke their fourth child Sandy was born. A common theme throughout Dorothy's marriage were home renovation projects. Dorothy was always the trusted assistant: whether measuring or holding up pieces of drywall, she was always by Bob's side. This support was also shown in the purchase of the family cottage, which had water access. Although Dorothy couldn't swim and had no experience with boats, she overcame her fear and the cottage provided a great source of enjoyment for her and the whole family.

In 1974, Robert's company relocated to Mississauga right beside the future mall "Square One". The company move precipitated the family's relocation to Lorne Park and a new adventure. Between caring for the family and various dogs, children's activities and ongoing renovations in the house and cottage, Dorothy found time to give back to the community. She was always an active member in the United Church: Humbervale (Etobicoke), St. Stephen's (Lorne Park) and St. Johns' (Oakville). She loved teaching Sunday School and being involved in Fellowship groups. In 1977 she started to volunteer at the Mississauga Hospital (Trillium) which fulfilled her long desire for nursing and helping people. Dorothy hardly missed a Thursday for over 25 years.

A legacy for Dorothy will be her famous birthday cake. Everyone wanted the cake and she faithfully baked it until she was 90! Her children and grandchildren have tried to reproduce the famous cake with limited success. It was something about the icing that was never the same. In truth, every person that met Dorothy or came to her home holds fond memories. She was a welcoming, kind, loving, faithful and devoted person. Dorothy was completely genuine! Her children, Donnalyn, Susan, Michael, Sandy and their spouses Adrian, Howard, Katie and her grandchildren, Kyle, Alanna, Justin, Brandon, Jacqueline and Danica and great grandchild Ari, along with cousins and many friends will all cherish special memories for the person they called Mom, Bama, Gramma, Dorothy Dot, Aunt Dorothy, and Dot. Over the years, the Wright family faced obstacles. Whether disappointment, illness or unexpected loss, Dorothy's love was the glue that held everyone together.

The love of a mother can never be replicated it can only be remembered fondly

In lieu of flowers, donations to the www.oakvillehospitalfoundation.com