Dorothy Genevieve Badregon (nee Jenich)
Metro Toronto Separate School Board, Teacher and Vice-Principal
March 14, 1943 – June 25, 2023
It is with the deepest sadness that the family of Dorothy Genevieve Badregon announces her passing on June 25, 2023, at the age of 80.
Predeceased by her father Joseph Jenich and her mother Helene (nee Cottell).
She is survived by her husband David Sr., sister Fran Robich (Ivan), daughter Susanna (Patrick Turner), son David Jr. (Paola Prieto). And four gifted grandchildren: Alexander, Victoria, David III, and Emma.
Dorothy would remember reaching 80 years with some satisfaction, but for her, the fewer people who knew her age, the better.
Dorothy would remember, above all, her immediate family. Her husband of 54 years, David, was lucky to tag along on her numerous adventures. Daughter Susanna, the oldest, made her mother proud with an accounting career, while son David Leo became an able engineer with a predilection for building subway systems.
Dorothy would remember growing up on Alexis Road in Windsor, Ontario, where her father Joseph Jenich worked at the nearby Chrysler auto plant, while her mother and her champion, Helene Cottell, served as head registered nurse at a local hospital. In the fields and along the roadways, Dorothy and her sister, Fran, exulted with their friends in the joyous freedom of the young. Even here Dorothy loved to take charge, intuitively and inconspicuously, an innate leader.
Dorothy would remember the many summers spent on her grandparents’ farm near Wallaceburg, Ontario. Here she would help her idolized grandparents with a variety of chores, including driving the tractor and herding cattle: she was not afraid of anything, really.
Dorothy would remember the one summer spent at Camp Gay Lea in Ontario’s Muskoka region, not as a camper, but as a member of the kitchen staff. At least the weather was pleasant.
Dorothy would remember her years at the University of Windsor, earning a degree in Honours History. When a suitable teaching job was not available, she pursued a Master’s degree, writing her thesis, of which she was justly proud, on “Thomas Jefferson’s View of the City.”
Dorothy would remember meeting her future husband, David, while working at her usual university summer job as a waitress at Windsor’s noteworthy Tunnel Barbeque. Here she was seldom flustered, and always engaging. Customers often insisted on her being their server. She knew how to get on the same wavelength as her customers. High social intelligence was an early virtue for her.
Dorothy would remember accompanying her husband to Philadelphia’s University of Pennsylvania for graduate school. Initially she worked as a librarian in the science library, helping emeritus profs track down research. Later, she moved to the state social services bureau, where she served as a social worker, helping others better their lives wherever she went. Often she would hear young children cry out, “Momma, Momma, it’s the Social Services lady coming.” She was not afraid; she could pivot to give others opportunities.
Dorothy would remember discovering her antiques addiction here, spending many a weekend in Amish country hunting down old chests, and chairs, and you-name-it. And who could forget Williamsburg, with its mahogany highboys, and four poster cherry beds. Later, back in Ontario, antiquing became a hunt for mid-nineteenth century Canadian harvest tables, hutches, armoires, tables and, especially, old student desks (she never met an antique desk that she did not desire).
Dorothy would remember moving with her husband to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. As she drove in to the capital, Regina, she begged her husband not to stay in the province any longer than necessary. She would come to love her new province, however, obtaining her Bachelor of education degree, and finding a teaching job at a rural elementary school. Here she found, the “1, 2, 3 shoot” teaching method for basketball served her well (but how??).
Dorothy would remember returning to Ontario, and beginning her teaching career with the Metro Toronto Separate School Board at North York’s Chaminade College School: she never forgot the young men that she taught, with their joys in learning and living and accomplishing great things. Over the years, many of these students showed that they never forgot her either.
Dorothy would especially remember her time as vice-principal at St. Joseph’s Wellesley, and the well-loved principal, Sister Conrad Lauber, CSJ. Here Dorothy would hone her ability to relate to students, parents and teachers, and to bring everyone together to facilitate students’ accomplishment. Rather than spending a chunk of her day looking at a computer screen, she spent it interacting with students in the cafeteria and throughout the school. Here her morning mantra on the announcements, “Enjoy your learning,” was born, and was to tag along with her during her career. As Dorothy explained to a local newspaper columnist in 1992, “I’d start the day with ‘O Canada’ and a prayer and then I’d say, ‘Enjoy your learning,’ I want their learning to be positive, enjoyable. I wanted to tell them, ‘Carpe diem,’ [seize the day]. This is the best time of your life…because all of a sudden, it’s yesterday.”
Dorothy would remember vice-principalships at other Toronto schools, including Loretto Abbey. She often enthused about working with principal Linda Langero, the Loretto sisters, and the talented teaching staff. Many a trip she took to the outside environs supervising students.
Dorothy would remember the family cottage on Long Lake in the Haliburton Highlands. She would say that she wished that she could have spent more time in the summers there, relaxing on the deck or sitting on the dock with her feet in the cold water. Instead, she was often writing provincial History curriculum, taking courses, or serving as summer school principal. When she was there, she relished the campfires (even though she once accidentally put her foot in the campfire emergency bucket), cinnamon breakfast buns at the local bakery, and antiquing forays into the nearby villages.
Dorothy would remember her wanderlust throughout her life. While in Philadelphia, she organized a summer-long trip to Europe, visiting many a museum Madonna, too many she finally admitted. As with any new visitor to Europe, she was overwhelmed with the centuries of history and culture. Still, after dragging her suitcase to a shabby and dirty rented room in London, she insisted on pulling that darn suitcase back to a cleaner flat in Bloomsbury. She knew what she wanted, and was willing to go the extra distance for it.
Dorothy would remember seeing the world, often on guided tours or cruise ships. She stood before Egypt’s Sphinx, and watched her husband enter Israel’s Jordan River (she was not getting wet, however). She permitted her husband to visit too many a winery, from Australia to New Zealand, to California and Italy; she was a watcher, but not an imbiber. She enjoyed the art at St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum, and even got side-lined at the nearby Peterhof Palace, without the proper ticket (only a phone call to Moscow got her out, really). She often averred that there were few Caribbean islands that she had not set foot on. And the memorable food on those trips: baklava in Istanbul, strawberries and cream on Ireland’s Shannon River, high tea with scones in Australia, gelato with wafers in Sicily, and pizza marinara in Venice (how many generations old was that starter for the delectable dough?).
Dorothy would remember her music. She enjoyed playing the piano, even taking lessons in her later years. Many a song got her humming and sometimes dancing. She loved dancing to a full live orchestra playing Chris De Burgh’s “The Lady in Red.” Barbra Streisand’s “Memory” from Cats would bring tears to her eyes, while Murray McLauchlan’s “Farmer’s Song” brought back old times in Saskatchewan (where she actually attended a Murray concert). And Leonard Cohen, also a fave: she went beyond Cohen’s darkness to, as Cohen would say, “the cracks that let the light in.” Dorothy was ever the optimist.
Dorothy would remember her time cooking up wonders in the kitchen. She had models in her mother and grandmother, Genevieve, accustomed to preparing large meals for those working on the farm. Inherited cookbooks and recipe clippings bolstered Dorothy’s culinary creativity. Yes, sometimes she sampled a bit too much as she cooked, to the consternation of some observers, but the product was invariably amazing.
Dorothy would remember her last few years at the Davis Long Term Care Centre in Bolton, where she experienced loving care thanks to the Peel Region’s commitment to looking after seniors in need. She was able to eat gourmet meals, sing her songs, pursue her interests, be with friends and feel at home. Special thanks to Dr. Kristof; to nurses Bev, Michelle, Melodie, Jane, Sukhi, Roya, Kamaljit, Gurpreet, Sharndeep and Rajvir; to social workers and aides Michelle, Dionne, Sonya, Ching, Vidya, Paula, Rani, Gurdeep, Angie, Marie. Jenny, Nathaniel, Dante, Dalyce, Mila, Danielle and Poonan; and to administrators Fatima and Lennie. What a superlative staff!
Dorothy would remember a full and rewarding life. Anyone who knew her, would not forget her vitality, humanity and goodness. She would not “rage, rage against the dying of the light.” Rather, the words of Shakespeare come to mind:
“Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince[ss],
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!”
Dorothy, without doubt, now deservedly walks with the Lord.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) on Tuesday evening, July 4, from 5-8 o’clock. Funeral Mass will be held in Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 60 Allan Drive, Bolton on Wednesday morning, July 5 at 11 o’clock. Followed by cremation.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Parkinson Canada would be appreciated. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Dorothy Genevieve Badregon (nee Jenich)
Print Obituary & Condolences
Mafalda Buffone
Susanna & Family,
Even though I only met Dorothy a handful of times, I will always remember her infectious smile.
Thinking of you all during this very difficult time.
Muffy, Dave, Colton & Chloe
Juanita
Mr. Badregon, Susanna, David Jr and families what an extraordinary memoir of Dorothy. Such a fulfilling life. She was blessed with you David, your dedication and love to her was beyond measurable. She’s at rest now taking with her all the love a family could possibly give. May your sweet memories give you strength and reassurance and carry you in your days ahead.
Dr. Yehiel and Maria Meghory
To the Badregon family, our heartfelt sympathies on the recent passing of Dorothy. May your sweet memories of her bring you comfort during these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Dr. Yehiel and Maria Meghory
Pina
Dear Badregon Family,
I will always remember Dorothy’s KINDNESS at Loretto Abbey!
God Bless,
Pina
Shaaron Grogan-Sheahan
My condolences to Dorothy’s husband and family. I had the honour and happiness of knowing Dorothy over many years at MSSB/Toronto Catholic District School Board. We met many times because of our mutual love of and passion for history. We had long conversations over history curriculum and teaching, but it was Dorothy’s person that I remember the most. She smiled so much; she loved life and she shared that love with us always. My memories of Dorothy will remain with me forever and I am so grateful to have had Dorothy in my life.
Ray Matthews
Deepest condolences Dave and family. Although I did not know Dorothy Dave, I still cherish our time together in the UNTD and in the English Department at Windsor U.
Ken C Brown
Dave and family my thoughts and prayers with you, Dorothy was truly a special lady.
Peter Beetollo
Condolences to the Badregon family on your loss. “Miss B” , as we called her, was my grade 9 history teacher at Chaminade College School back in 1976-77. I remember her well and reflected on her today after seeing her obituary in the Star. She was a smart and personable educator and I enjoyed her class immensely. Undoubtedly she would have impressed many other students in the same way.
Rose Angelini and Alex Angelini
Our deepest condolences to David Sr. and family for the loss of our joyous and very dear Dorothy!
In 1993 I met Dorothy while I was teaching at Loretto Abbey. I continued to work with her at the Abbey until 2001 with great happiness and love. Dorothy had also met our sons while they were at Chaminade in the late eighties/early nineties. They have great, happy memories of Mrs. Badregon.
Thinking fondly of you, the family of our dear Dorothy!
Rose & Alex Angelini and Family
Stephanie Axworthy
I have fond memories of Dorothy when Susanna and David attended the Humberview YMCA, oh so many years ago.
I am truly sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.
David Edwards
I send my condolences to the family. I fondly remember teaching with Dorothy at Patterson Collegiate in Windsor in 1968. I could tell that she was very passionate about teaching in those early years. Although we lost touch, I can see that this passion kept on growing. It would appear that she lived life to the fullest – a life well lived! My wife Pat (Thompson) also remembers Dorothy from Walkerville C.I. especially for her sense of humor.
Sylvia King
Dear Dave, Susanna and David
I was so saddened to hear about Dorothy’s passing. When I think of her, I hear laughter, and since those memories involve dental related visits and procedures ( not a normally happy setting!), that is a true credit to her wonderful personality. Everyone at our office found Dorothy ( and indeed all of you) to be more like family than patients. We so admired her spirit and courage as her symptoms worsened.
I still treasure the necklace Dorothy gave me because she wanted to give me something special as an expression of gratitude- totally unnecessary , but it meant so much to me.
You are all in my heart and prayers.
Sylvia
Adriana Albanese
Dorothy was my vice-principal at Bishop Allen Academy. She was a very lovely, kind woman and I enjoyed working with her. Her obituary was such a tribute to her and makes me realize not only how experienced and well-travelled she was, but how many special interests she had. What a woman!
To lose a parent is difficult no matter their age, but you are lucky to have wonderful memories.
My sincerest condolences.
Adriana
Doug and Shirley Rupay
Our deepest sympathies go at this time to Dave Sr., Suzanna, and Dave Jr.
We will always have the fine memories from the skiing, canoeing and swimming in Long Lake. Thank you for good times together.
Nicole Boyd
Dave, just wanted to send light and love to your family. What a beautiful tribute for Dorothy, it was so nice to learn about her talents, contributions to her community and her legacy. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Fred and Jackie Shady
Dave, I don’t believe their are enough kind words in the English language to say how much Jackie and I miss getting together with you and Dorothy. So much joy and wonderful times we had together from our days in high school to the present. Dorothy’s love and kindness radiated to all who were lucky enough to have known her as we did. She will always be in our hearts and minds.
:Johnny-Joseph-Badregon: Jewell.
Dorothy is my God Mother. My mom Sharon is here Sister in-law. My God Father and Uncle David is my mom eldest brother. I didn’t see my aunt very much in my life. I have fond memories of our Christmas’ from 1980’s and early 1990’s before my mom died in 1995. Sad to hear that my aunt is gone now. My wife Kim and I are married 10 years today. I was very sad when I got this news. I tried my best to see if i could be there for mass on Wed Morning since I am unable to make it Tuesday. I wanted to be there and I deeply regret that I cannot. I still remember the inside of your house, and all the memories we had. Susanna expos hat. David at that time was bald running around Grandpa basement. Prayer to all in our Bedregan family. Correct spelling. We are all simply atoms part of galaxy, of a huge atom, all in motion. Our consciousness is a function of all the reactions in us. My God Mother to the ether over the rainbow like Dorothy is to be. With Jesus Christ hand in hand in the infinity. I love you very much and blessing and prayers and love and light to you all. So mote it be. Cro-maat. : John-Joseph-Badregon: Jewell.
Allison Brown
Uncle David, Susanna, Dave & family –
What a beautiful write up and a wonderful life lived. I have such fond memories from our annual Christmas gatherings at the Badregon’s in Windsor. May the memories you made over the years help get you through this difficult time. My deepest condolences.
LeRoy Peach
Dear David, son David Junior and Daughter Susanna
How much I loved your tribute to Dorothy. As your colleague and friend, I visited with Dorothy and you often. I always loved her welcoming smile, her graciousness and her genial nature. I liked the way she cared for people. I was not surprised at the esteem with which she was held by her students. I loved the insights that you gave into her long life, especially the variety of her interests.
I loved the way that you ended your piece. I believe that Dorothy is with the Lord. where no pain, no anxiety may touch her. It is true that she had a noble heart. It was on display every time my late wife and I met her.
God bless you and David Jr. and Susanna as you come to terms with her leaving
LeRoy Peach, Cape Breton, NS
Pamela Badregon-Breault
To my Brother Dave and his Family Susanna and David Jr.: We are so sorry for your loss. Dorothy was an amazing Mom and Lady. You will think of her every day. Think of all the good times you had with her. She will be looking down on you and your Children. She was in our thoughts and prayers for a long time. She was so proud of her Children and truly an excellent Teacher. God Bless you and your Family at this difficult time. Hugs and kisses to all of you.
Love Aunt Pam xoxox
Dennis and ruth Taylor
Our deepest sympathies on the passing of Dorothy. We are sorry for your loss.
George Plantus
Our sincere sympathy on Dorothy’s passing. to everyone in the family. I remember 70 years ago when Dorothy was like an older sister to the Alexis Road kids. She was the clever, knowledgeable person who was respected for her ability to make decisions. It appears that this continued throughout her life and that the family is left with many good memories. George
Regan Schuring-Papp
To the Badregon family,
Our deepest sympathy for all of you during your time of loss. Mrs. Badregon always was very caring, inviting and full of laughter. Losing a partner or parent is never easy no matter the circumstance. Hopefully the wonderful tribute of Dorothy’s full and diverse life helps to highlight many memories that can provide each of you comfort during this time as you come to terms with the loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Regan, Ian & Ethan Papp
Celine Lobraico
Mr.Badregon and families.
My deepest sympathy for your loss. From reading the obituary there is no doubt in my mind she’s in heaven. What a wonderful lady.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Peter & Celine Lobraico
Bernadette Hunt
Dorothy was always elegant and calm but most of all she was kind and truly wanted the best for all the students at St. Joseph’s College School. I enjoyed our time together at the school and was thankful that she was my vice-principal.Her wonderful obituary showed me many sides of Dorothy that I did not know. My deepest condolences to the Badregon family.
Joan Jay
My sincerest condolences, Dave.
Harold Whitehead
I’m so sorry to hear of Mrs. Badregon’s passing.