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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
VALLILLEE, Dorothy Ann - We are saddened to announce our mother’s death, Dorothy Ann Vallillee, daughter of the late Douglas Vernon and Marjorie Johnson (Crosby) Eldridge passed away peacefully with her four children by her side in Kentville, NS. Born on 11 August 1940 in South Ohio and raised in Norwood, Yarmouth County. Dorothy attended Lake Annis School and Port Maitland School where she made many friends.
Following graduation from Yarmouth High School, Dorothy enlisted in the Royal Canadian Navy where she served as a Wren for five and a half years. It was during that time that she met the love of her life, her late husband Ronald [Vallillee] who was also a serving member of the Navy. They were married on 1 August 1964 at HMCS Shearwater. Dorothy served at HMCS Cornwallis, HMCS Stadacona, HMCS Shearwater and at Naval Headquarters in Ottawa. Dorothy left the Navy when Ron was posted to HMCS Hochelaga in Montreal.
Dorothy worked as a cook, seamstress, Commissionaire and salesclerk. Dorothy was the author of two books of family stories (unpublished) and wrote several poems. With friends Dorothy and Ron started a chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and with others raised funds and promoted awareness for the disease for over 25 years.
Dorothy started a Chapter of the Red Hat Society and had at one time twenty-four members who joined her in many activities such as visiting local restaurants, museums and a sugar shack. They hosted three Red Hat conventions in Yarmouth.
For three years Dorothy was a representative of the Educational Foundation for Foreign Students and placed five students with local families for a school year at Yarmouth High School. During that time, she was one of the chaperones with eighty students on a trip to Washington, DC, New York City, and Boston.
Dorothy liked to knit, crochet, sew, paint, make cards and do jigsaw puzzles. She sang in many choirs over the years including during the Mass in Halifax with a massed choir for Pope John Paul 11, most recently at Queen of Heaven Chapel in Greenwood, NS. Recently a member of the Legion in Kingston, NS, Dorothy was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 61, Yarmouth where she served as a Treasurer for two years. She did genealogy for many years, was a member of the Find a Grave site and helped many others find members of their tree.
She is survived by her children: Jean, Sylvan Lake, Alberta; Kevin (Melissa and her children Nicole and Hunter), Yarmouth; Tim, Yarmouth, and Sara Donnelly (Rob and his son Brett), Greenwood also by grandchildren Chelsea (Nick), Abby (Cole), Madison (Keith), Alexandria and Isaiah; great grandchildren Tanner and Aria, brother Douglas, several nieces and nephews and cousins. Dorothy was predeceased by husband Ron, her sister Erma Harris and brother-in-law, Howard and by sister-in-law Yvonne Eldridge.
Special thanks to Mom’s choir members, Legion friends and special friends Sharon White, Jacqueline Ewart, and many others for being there for her. The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to all the doctors, nurses, and healthcare staff who cared for Dorothy. We are deeply thankful for the kindness, compassion, and support they showed her throughout her illness. Your dedication, gentle care, and thoughtfulness brought comfort to Dorothy and her family during a very difficult time. Your kindness will always be remembered and sincerely appreciated.
Arrangements are under the direction of Sweeny’s Funeral Home, with visitation to be held at Sweeny’s Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, October 14, from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M., with a Legion Service and prayers starting at 7 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Co-Cathedral on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10 A.M. with Father Smolenaars officiating.
Burial will take place at Norwood Cemetery. A reception will follow immediately after the funeral in the Jubilee Room in St. Ambrose Cathedral. Burial to follow after reception.
Ships served in: NAVAL SERVICE HEADQUARTERS OTTAWA
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