With family by her side, Dorothy Mantle Cahoon (née Collis) passed away on December 13, 2021 at the Ottawa General Hospital at the age of 84 from complications of myasthenia gravis. She was predeceased by her parents, Sidney and Phyllis Collis, and her sister, Alene Collis. She was also predeceased by her son, Lawrence Cahoon, whom she grieved until the day she died. Survived by children: Bruce Cahoon (Yolanda) of Port Coquitlam; Sidney Cahoon (Tanya) of Waterside; and Amanda McKay (John) of Ottawa; several grandchildren: Jade Cahoon, Kale Cahoon, Chris Cahoon, Kiersten Cahoon, Samuel McKay, Connor Cahoon, and great-grandchild, Theo Aelick.
Adopted at birth, she was thrilled to connect later in life with her birth mother (the late Dorothy McKenna) and siblings, including her brothers Bernie McKenna (Heather) and the late Robert Taylor (Barbara); and Battist families. She cherished the love and belonging she received from them.
She was fortunate to have a great group of friends that provided companionship, support, and laughter through the years. She had a wicked sense of humor and a fantastic laugh. Several close friends - Johanna Sutton (Halifax); Isabel Fancey (Union Centre); and Trudy Vince (Stellarton) - became like family to her, loving her unconditionally and now also grieving her loss.
Dorothy was a great believer in public service and, through the years, volunteered for a number of different organizations including many years working in the gift shop and information desk of the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, as well as with Lauback Literacy of Nova Scotia and the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada.
Recently relocated from Stellarton, Nova Scotia, to be closer to her daughter in Ottawa, she received exceptional care at the Ottawa General Hospital after she fell ill. A retired R.N. herself, she was acutely aware of and grateful for the comprehensive efforts taken by the Ottawa General to treat her and the dignity she was afforded while there.
The family would also like to especially thank past caregivers from the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) Pictou County - Beth, Shelley, Evelyn, and Suzanne - as they showed her great compassion and provided a much needed social outlet over the past few years.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Canada. She was a champion of research to fight this horrible disease and, as such, has donated her remains to the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine. A funeral service will be held at a later date in Nova Scotia.
Known to while away the hours sitting in her garden reading a good book, the family will honour her memory through the Memorial Bench Program of the Halifax Public Gardens, a place she loved dearly.
Dorothy was a lady of the highest order- her daughter often teased her by calling her the Queen. She will be deeply missed by many.
Digital Guestbook
Mary Boutilier
Judy beck
Saddened to hear this news. Dorothy was my cousin, ten years older but I used to see her a lot as a youngster. My sister and Dorothy were close pals. Rest well. I last spoke with her in February of this year to tell her her godchild had passed away, we had a great chat. Lovely lady. Condolences to family. She will be missed.
Ed and Marlene Burnett
Amanda, John and Sam, We are so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing Amanda. You were so good to her and you will have many great memories to sustain you over the years.
Evelyn Lockhart
My deepest condolences to the family and all who loved her. I'll always cherish our vists . May she rest in peace.
Julie Mills (Lake)
Amanda, I am so very sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Johanna Sutton
Dorothy was like a mother to me and a grandmother to my two children.
Rest In Peace Dorothy you will be missed by many people who loved you .
Ryanne Belyea
We at MDC are so sorry to hear of the loss of Dorothy, we are sending our deepest sympathies to her family during this difficult time. Dorothy was a pleasure to chat with and will be missed dearly.
Marilyn Clements
Dorothy will be missed but never forgotten she was a great lady to visit many laughs
Mary Flynn-McRae
Amanda and Family:
Beautiful tribute, I know how much you cherished your mother. I hope that the happy memories that you have of her can carry you through the holidays. So sorry for your loss.
Pat Fagan
Dorothy was a wonderful person to be around and I feel fortunate to have known her. She will be greatly missed in Pictou County! Our sympathies go out to her family and friends.
My deepest sympathy to you ,Amanda John and Sam . I know how wonderful a mother she was to you , wonderful words of rememberence. God Bless