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Dorothy Lancaster Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 8, 2024.

The family of (Elizabeth) Dorothy Lancaster (nee Dickson) is saddened to share the news of her death on January 2, 2024 at the age of 91. Dorothy was the beloved mother of Elizabeth (Scott) of Cressy, Prince Edward County and John (Marcy) of Toronto, and doting grandmother of Taylor and Charlotte. She is survived by her sisters Pat (John) of Mississauga and Jaki (Wayne) of Hermosa Beach, California.

Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland to Stanley and Elizabeth Dickson, Dorothy lived a life of service, first as a schoolteacher in England and, after immigrating to Canada in 1959, as a teacher and teaching consultant in Peel Region. She then spent twenty years as Principal of the Lower School at Havergal College in Toronto. She was a fierce and caring advocate for children throughout her career as an educator.

Upon her retirement from Havergal, Dorothy embarked on a new career. She gained her Masters of Divinity from the University of Toronto and moved to Prince Edward County in 1999 where she was ordained an Anglican Minister in the Diocese of Ontario. She served as a non-stipendary priest for 16 vears in charge of the Anglican Ministry to Seniors in the County, as well as running a bible study group, and filling in for vacationing Anglican ministers across the region.

Dorothy retired for the second and final time in 2016 and returned to Toronto where she worshipped and volunteered at Christ Church Deer Park. She suffered a debilitating stroke in March 2020 that left her physically mobile, but severely limited by aphasia and apraxia. Dorothy spent her final years at Amica Balmoral and then Briton House. She was known for her twice daily walks through the neighbourhood, pushing her rollator with remarkable speed; stopping frequently to say hello to children and dogs. She took her final walk exactlv two weeks before her death.

The family is grateful for the compassionate ministry of Rev. Jillian Ruch of Havergal College, as well as the medical care of Dr. Diana Heath in Dorothy's final days. A private family service will be held in honour of Dorothy in the Spring. For anyone wishing to pay tribute to Dorothy's life, a donation in her honour to the children's charity of your choice, or to the Dorothy Lancaster bursary at Havergal College, is deeply appreciated.

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Recent Activity

May 19, 2024

Ian Dickson posted to the memorial.

May 19, 2024

Colin Love posted to the memorial.

March 7, 2024

Andrea Racansky Thomson posted to the memorial.

18 Entries

Ian Dickson

May 19, 2024

We have fond memories of Dorothy over the years. She was truly kind, generous and welcoming. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Our sincerest sympathy for your loss.

Ian and Janet Dickson

Colin Love

May 19, 2024

I only met Dorothy once, when she came to Dublin. She was a lovely person and reminded me so much of her dear mother, who was such a kind and thoughtful woman, with a great sense of humour. My mother and I are so sorry for your lose and thinking of you all at this sad time. My mother remembers Dorothy with great affection and talks of when she lived for a year with Dorothy, her mother Betty and father Stan in Toronto. Our thoughts are with all her family at this time, especially John, Elizabeth, Pat and Jaki. Our deepest condolences from Colin and Elizabeth Love

Andrea Racansky Thomson

March 7, 2024

My condolences to the family of Mrs. Lancaster. With 100% certainty I can say that Mrs. Lancaster influenced the direction of my life. She accepted me into Grade 5 at Havergal and instilled in me the importance of hard work, the confidence to take risks, and that I had the potential to make a difference. Much of my success can be attributed to her teachings in the Lower School, and mentorship as HC's Lower School Prefect in 1993. Thank you Mrs. Lancaster for everything!

Stephannie-Colleen Timmins-Ll

February 25, 2024

Dorothy interviewed me when I was three years old to attend JK. Despite not passing the entrance test she advocated for me because she could tell I was smart even if the tests thought otherwise. I was soon diagnosed with severe ADHD which she suspected and convinced my parents to get me tested. I excelled at Havergal after this.

Dorothy became a dear family friend, she even came to preform my marriage ceremony in 2018 to my best friend.

The last phone conversation I had with her was in 2021 after her stroke. I hope she knew how much she meant to me and my family.

Prayers and heartfelt condolences to her family.

Love,
Colleen Timmins-Lee (class of 2004)

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Susan Stefaniuk Hall

February 15, 2024

Dorothy hired me to teach in the lower school at Havergal College. I learned so much during my 10 years working under her leadership. Dorothy was unapologetically principled... she believed in the goodness that exists in all people. Through curriculum, lectures and discussions she guided our team to bring forward her vision for making the world a better place. Her approach was nurturing and inclusive, still calling for us (teachers and students) to work hard and reach higher. I will always consider Dorothy one of my most important mentors and will miss her. I hope sharing in this space will help her family understand how her work touched so many lives. I wish to express my condolences for your loss.

Clare Ashbee

January 12, 2024

Mrs Lancaster was the first person I met at Havergal during my interview process at the young age of 9. When my parents asked which school I would like to attend, I immediately chose Havergal as Mrs Lancaster had made me feel important during my interview and had spent most of the time speaking to me vs my parents. I felt so seen and heard despite being so young. She was an incredible principal.

My deepest condolences to Mrs Lancaster´s family at this sad time.

Leslie Anne Dexter

January 12, 2024

When I became the Head of The Junior School at Havergal College, I learned about Dorothy´s incredible legacy. I reached out during the summer before the students returned to school and asked Dorothy Landcaster to come and have lunch with me that August. Dorothy came and we had a delightful luncheon in The Junior School. No one else was in the building at the time. She took me on a walk and we wandered through the Junior School together. As we walked along, Dorothy told me stories of her time and throughout that memorable walk together, I gained knowledge, and wisdom and strength that helped shape my headship in the Junior School. Her love for children was evident and her stories taught me to be true to the school´s Vision, love the girls, however, always remember to stand behind your Faculty. I am proud that this, was something I always accomplished. Thank you Dorothy .
Leslie Anne Dexter

Nandini/Sunayna/Nisha Gupta

January 11, 2024

Mrs. Lancaster made us feel special and seen.

She was our principal and first friend in Havergal College.

Thank you for guiding us to be courage and strong young women. We will remember you with love.

Sending so much strength to her family and loved ones.

Nandini, Sunayna and Nisha Gupta (`04, `06 and `07).

Sabine Smith

January 11, 2024

It is with great sadness I hear of the passing of Mrs. Lancaster. She was my very first memory of Havergal, as my parents spoke to her about having me attend the school. I remember my mother mentioning several times over the years that it is thanks to Mrs Lancaster that I got into Havergal. She saw before her two hardworking parents (that may not have "fit the mold" at the time), but they saw how much they wanted me to have a better education and a better life than they had had. I remember her speaking to me with warmth, tact and expectation. After spending 10 years at the school, I am grateful that she saw something in me. I have often thought of her and even got to speak to her several times after I had graduated. Mrs Lancaster, THANK YOU, you will be missed, but your legacy continues on. Condolences to the family.

Nina Mafrici

January 10, 2024

Mrs. Lancaster was my first ever principal and a wonderful compassionate leader of our school, Havergal. She will be greatly missed. Sending condolences to her family and friends.

Naomi Melvin

January 10, 2024

Ms. Lancaster met with me as I interviewed for Havergal College in 1996. I was just a little girl and she made me feel mature, capable and welcome. She was such a wonderful woman and principal, an example of warmth and kindness. My condolences extend to her family and all who loved her. May her memory be a blessing.

Deb and Rob

January 9, 2024

Rob and I have been thinking of you and holding you in our hearts during such a difficult time. We are sending you big hugs and much love, always.