Obituary of Dorothy Eleanor Arton

ARTON, Dorothy [McManus) - Words cannot describe the emptiness without Dorothy, we all thought she would live forever. When the time came, Dorothy told us she was wearing out. Never truly saying "goodbye" on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at the age of 97, she gradually slipped away to be with Bernie in heaven. Dorothy and Bernard "Bernie" were married for 49 years when he passed away in 2009.

Dorothy had a calm kind loving manner about her. Together Bernie and Dorothy agreed that Dorothy would stay home to raise their two daughters Susan Schmitz (Bob) and Judy Arton (Kevin Smith). They were thrilled when Susan's family grew to include three grandsons Tanner, Hayden and Carson (Sharon Lee) who they visited often in Vancouver. Years later Dorothy and Bernie together shared the wonderful experience of caring for their fourth grandson Myles Arton-Smith (Emily Core).

Dorothy was the sister of Ross McManus (Barbara) and Lenore Howlett, the two families produced 12 nieces and nephews and many great nieces and nephews. Dorothy always appreciated and valued the love and support from her extended family and friends.

Dorothy was fortunate to recently be reunited with her baby girl, Kathy Welch Henley (William) and her son McKeever.

Dorothy enjoyed contributing to the community and spent hours volunteering at the Sarnia General Hospital, canvassing for the Cancer Society and was involved in numerous groups at Central United Church. Holidays were always special with Dorothy's great cooking and every detail was completed to perfection. Bernie would tease Dorothy that she would even vacuum the driveway when company was coming.

Dorothy was very creative and this was expressed through all her arts and crafts over the years, Helen Tithecott introduced Dorothy to adult colouring and she spent hours creating pieces worthy of framing. Recently Dorothy painted birdhouses, holiday decorations and completed wonderful framed pieces of stone art. Her greatest joy was not the art pieces but whom she was creating it for that gave her the most pleasure.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Sarnia Yacht Club on Sunday, April 9th at 2:00 p.m. with a short service and light lunch. Arrangements entrusted to the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 519-344-3131. Messages of condolences & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com