Dorathy passed away peacefully at Hospice Wellington in Guelph on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 77 years of age; her devoted husband David followed her, dying quietly at home in Guelph on Wednesday, November the 3rd, 2021 at 75 years of age. Now, as the world reopens, we would like to come together to say farewell to both of these special people. We will be holding a joint Celebration of Life on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph. Visitation begins at 4pm, followed by a short service at 5pm, with refreshments onsite to follow; all are welcome.
David and Dorathy were the beloved parents of Deborah (Connell Smith), Daniel (Deche Catam-isan), and Darin (Cathy Lostrangio); the proud grandparents of seven; and the (really) great-grandparents of seven more. Dorathy was the daughter of the late Jack and Dora Evans, and the beloved sister of David, Margaret, John, and Suzanne. David was the dear son of the late Melville and Hazel Pletsch, and brother to Robert, Nancy, Murray, Laurence, Sheryl, and Lois.
Fun and feisty, Dorathy was born in Manchester to Welsh parents, and emigrated to Canada with her family at the age of nine, settling in Guelph. David, shy and quiet (but with a mischievous sense of humour) was born into a large family in the Quebec mining town of Noranda-Rouyn, and moved at an early age to Sundridge, Ontario. The two met as young adults working in Toronto when Dorathy ran into David — literally! — and declared him the man she would marry. They were inseparable for the next 54 years, settling into their small but much-loved family home in the countryside outside of Guelph, where they raised their three kids in an atmosphere of fresh air, books, and family adventures
Naturally artistic, Dorathy worked as a layout designer before marriage. When she left her career to raise their three children, she channeled her boundless energy into a steady stream of interests and causes. An expert seamstress, knitter, and baker, she was forever gifting family and friends with her work, and donating her time and efforts wherever she might make a difference. Mechanically-minded David started working at the local Canadian Tire store as a young teen, and stayed with the company for almost 50 years, working his way up from parts clerk to Inventory Control Manager. In later life he developed an interest in computing, applying his new skills first for the company and then at his own Hillside Systems. Hillside became both David’s second career and his avocation, connecting him to the community, and funding a happy retirement spent roadtripping with Dorathy. Together they “toodled about” finding new restaurants, playing the casino nickel slots, watching for wildlife, and just generally enjoying each other’s company and their ever-growing family. They were best friends, and the best parents and grandparents anyone could have. We think of them both, with endless warmth and affection, every single day.
Online condolences may be offered at https://wallcustance.com/death-notices and, if desired, memorial donations may be made to www.hospicewellington.org, which showed David, Dorathy, and their family such kindness. No flowers please. Masks are of course welcome at the service, but not required.