Dorothy Joan Agnew

Dorothy Agnew, 91, of Nobleton, passed away on May 20th, 2025, while in Palliative Care at Southlake Hospital with family members present during her final weeks.   We extend our sincere appreciation for the attentive and thoughtful care provided by the palliative care team at Southlake Hospital.  Beloved wife of the late Ronald Agnew.  Devoted mother of Brian (Darlene), Stephen, JoAnne (Al), Barb (Eric).  Cherished Grandmother to Amanda, Jason, Brenda, Jesse, Jamie, and Thomas.  Loving Great Grandmother to Ethan, Mya, Morgan, Jackson, Payton, and Sawyer.  Dear sister to Beverly Martin and family.

Dorothy was born on April 12, 1934. She was raised in Toronto, specifically in the Rogers Road and St Clair area, during the depression and war. Her family generously shared what they had with those around them, including family and friends.  Dorothy grew up using every bit of food and cloth until they were fully used, composting before it was common, and reusing plastic and paper bags until they were not functional anymore.  The depression and war had a lasting effect on her and others who grew up at that time and often told the story of only getting a fresh orange once a year at Christmas time in her stocking.

She was Bev’s older sister by 8 years and took care of many younger cousins like a second mother. Her caring and nurturing ways started early and continued throughout her 91 years. She was always a caregiver thinking first of others, ensuring they had what they needed.

She excelled at school and truly was passionate about learning and continued to be a lifelong learner. She was the first family member to finish school and continued to Western Hospital Atkinson School of Nursing graduating in 1955. What a proud moment that must have been for her and her family. Both her parents had limited education coming from Newfoundland.  She worked as a nurse at Western Hospital, Western Sanatorium for Tuberculosis, nursing homes, and provided home care. Later, she cared for her parents and her husband Ron during his illness. 

Dorothy and Ron Agnew were married in July 1956 and constructed their house on Wellington Street in Nobleton, where they raised their children Brian, Stephen, JoAnne and Barb.  Our house and doors were always open.   We could come and go as we pleased and bring our friends over without thinking to ask.  Our table was tight with 6 of us but there was always food for a hungry friend who needed a little bit of Dorothy’s love and nurturing.  

The home our parents built was the stability and rock for us and many others.  It was a child’s dream.  The house, décor, toys, remained the same and in place for our childhood. Grandchildren soon arrived, then great grandchildren.  Toys we played with continued to be in every room of the house for the next generation to play with.  There were paper airplanes strung on strings on the kitchen ceiling fan, when you turned the fan on the paper airplanes circles around in perfect unison.  There was a gerbil cage, fish tank, Lego, barbie dolls, and racetracks.  Our cousin Todd perfectly summed it up during a visit years later, exclaiming “Aunt Dorothy’s house hasn’t changed… even the gerbil cage in the living room is still there”. It was then I realized as an adult what a treasure our home truly was.  It was a child’s haven – a safe place, magical, secure, always available and open.  That was Dorothy – she was always there for everyone, family and friends in need.

Nobleton was Dorothy’s community.   St Paul’s Church in Nobleton was her happy place.  She was often there more than anywhere else, singing with the church choir, Hosannah Choir, quilting or caring for the nursery children. 

She was active in the community as a Girl Guide district treasurer, employee at the Nobleton Tart Shop and Strider Resources, and participated in many St. Paul’s activities.

There were three places to look for Dorothy in Nobleton.  First, visit St Paul’s, where she spent many days in the children’s nursery or sorting music in the choir room. It was her home away from home.   Second, check inside the house and then her garden.  To check Dorothy’s Garden, you had to truly go out to the garden and search – she could grow anything, and it would flourish beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.  It wasn’t a huge garden, but you often couldn’t see her for the plants and trees.  Everything in the garden was massive and grew with gusto.  Raspberries, strawberries, peas, beans, carrots, potatoes, corn, apples, pears, cherries, rhubarb, pumpkins even the nectarine tree growing out of the compost heap sprouted fruit.    We had food preserved for years, including cherry pie, rhubarb pie, and various home-baked goods.

Even as she slowed down with many hips, knee replacements and retirement, she loved to live in Nobleton and felt her husband Ron set her up well rooting them in the Nobleton community.  She stayed active and busy knitting, quilting, baking and providing for others as she always had.    With Steve and his son Jesse living with her, she knew she could stay in her own home, supported by her St Paul’s family and Nobleton community. 

After leaving Nobleton she moved to a Retirement Home by her own choice.  She was a ferocious reader, always working on a puzzle or sudoku, later keeping active with wheelchair walks in the park on sunny days. She was happiest doing for others and being with the people she loved, and we were blessed to have her presence with us especially spending time with her youngest great grandchildren born in recent years.

We always used a Nobleton Dentist Visit as a good excuse to get together with her St. Paul’s family.  Whoever was available gathered to have some treats with Dorothy in the Caven Room sharing laughter and love.   It certainly made a trip to the dentist worth while! 

Last year we gathered at St Paul’s for her 90^th birthday. What a great party with a fabulous huge cake shared with everyone.  Thank you to all who came to these gatherings, they were precious moments. 

The week before she went into the hospital, her retirement home called to say she was not eating much, and she requested a bologna sandwich.  We had a good chuckle and said of course she wants a bologna sandwich.  She is the daughter of newfies after all.  To bring her back to her Newfoundland roots, we brought her a fried bologna sandwich just the way she liked it, and she ate it with gusto.  Celebrate and toast to Dorothy with a fried bologna sandwich and a dark chocolate treat.   

She often told the story of her family doctor who proclaimed she had a good ticker “your heart will last until you are 90”, he said.   Her heart certainly did last 90 years but began to falter.   She knew her time had come.  Her heart kept on ticking through 91 just to be sure and finally let her go to the heavens just after the long weekend in May.

Dear Mom or Granny, as you are forever known to all of us children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, thank you for devoting your life to us.  We are sad to see you go; we will miss you and your beautiful smile.   We will carry on your love and your light. May you rejoice and sing with the angels in heaven above as they have been waiting for you.   Thank you for all that you have done for all of us. 

The family will receive their friends at St. Paul’s Church, 5750 King Road, Nobleton on Saturday morning, May 31 from 10:30 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11:00 a.m.  Followed by a luncheon in the church, and family interment at Nobleton Cemetery. 

Those unable to attend the service in person are invited to view the service through live streaming by St. Paul’s Church, at 11 a.m., or at a more convenient time for you, please click the following link at the time of the funeral:

https://www.youtube.com/stpaulschurchnobleton 

If desired memorial donations can be made in memory of Dorothy to St. Paul’s Church (stpaulsnobleton.ca/connect).

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com