October 14, 1928 – July 16, 2026
Dorothy was born to Georgina and Henry Heald in Scoble Township (Fort William). Her father delivered her on their homestead farm, joining her four siblings: Mary, George, Betty, and June. They shared a strong bond throughout their lives. This year she celebrated her sister June Stewardson’s 99th birthday.
After finishing teachers college, Dorothy started her career in Cameron Falls, Ontario. At just 22 years old, she moved to Kenora to teach at King George Public School. It was there that she met the charming Frank Crewe at a dance. He told her he’d ask her out if she changed her hairstyle. Apparently, she did because they began dating and never looked back-although we suspect she might have thought about it once or twice.
They got married and welcomed four children in five years. Their family made homes on Park Street, Coney Island, and Drewey Drive before settling on Valley Drive where Mom could easily walk to teach at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic School. She later became vice principal under Jim Stevenson and formed a lasting friendship with Roberta Pigeon. Her teaching career and raising her children brought her immense pride.
Cheryl Lynn (Dave); Kelli (Dave); Natalie (Ira); Paul (Gavin) great grandchild Patrick
Glenn (deceased) Cindy our dear sister-in-law: Celina (Colin) great grandchild Charlotte
Kathy: Kerri; Kyle (Amber) great grandchildren Melody and Ronan
Karen (Allan): Adam (Julie) great grandchildren Max, Olivia and Grace
Dorothy and Frank were well-rooted in Kenora. Frank’s sister Alison and her husband Lew Mc Kay were wonderful guides for them. They made many friends while enjoying fishing trips and shore lunches on Lake of the Woods. Their days were filled with golfing, curling, cards, and Happy Hour fun. When Dorothy retired at 55, she traveled around Europe with a group of retired teachers (we have all the albums). She continued substitute teaching until Dad retired at 65. In the ’80s they sold their house on Valley Drive and moved to villa condos in Norman where they loved the lake view-and having a dock for their boat.
Frank passed away in 2004. Dorothy stayed in their condo for another ten years while continuing to travel with friends like Roberta, Anna, Marilyn, Leslie, Jeannie, Mavis among others. However, during those last years there were noticeable changes; she stopped dusting as often or going out much anymore-sometimes even spending whole days in pajamas-which led to the tough decision to move to Thunder Bay to be closer to family.
In 2014 after an amazing journey of friendships by the lake for 64 years we packed up Dorothy’s belongings and said goodbye to Kenora as we headed back home-to Thunder Bay. She lived at Mc Kellar Place until 2018 before moving into Pinewood Court’s Blue Heron Unit where she stayed for eight years earning herself the nickname Grandma Dot. Those years were filled with family visits along with new friendships formed there too; staff members felt like extended family thanks to their excellent care.
Dementia took Dorothy on quite a journey from Kansas into Oz-where everything familiar vanished when she landed in Oz leaving her quiet yet lost within herself. On Thursday July 16th she put on those red slippers kicked up her heels closed her eyes took that final breath knowing she’d find Frank again along that yellow brick road as well as Glenn who she’d cherished deeply throughout life’s laughter kindness memories will always remain alive within this family’s hearts forever.
Rest in Peace Dorothy our Mom our GG.
Dorothy will be laid to rest at Lake of the Woods Cemetery in Kenora alongside Frank; date yet to be determined.
Condolences may be made through www. nwfainc. com
