Obituary of Dorothy Corinne Ruddell

Passed away peacefully with her family at her side at the Leacock Care Centre, Orillia on Saturday September 13, 2025.  Dorothy was born in Hamilton on February 9, 1937, the daughter of Elmore and Dora Johnston.  She grew up in Hamilton attending public and secondary school there.  She graduated from the Hamilton General Hospital School of Nursing and received a Bachelor of Nursing degree from the University of Western Ontario.  She was also a graduate of Ewart College, Toronto.

Dorothy nursed at the Hamilton General Hospital and taught nursing at the Hamilton General Hospital and Prince Edward Island Hospital Schools of Nursing.  After raising her family, she returned to work becoming the manager of the WMS Book Room in the Presbyterian Church in Canada’s national office.

She married Peter Dawson Ruddell the love of her life in June 1963.  Their marriage was blessed by three children, Greg, Mary Ellen and Laura, six grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

She was predeceased by her sister, Betty and her husband, Tom and by her brother, Roy and his wife Joan.  She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Peter.  Survived by loving children, Greg (Diana), Mary Ellen and Laura (Patrick).  She will be missed by grandchildren: Megan (Chris), Carlin (Kyle), Michael, Justin, Corinne and Shayne, great granddaughter, Ava and by nieces, Leslie and Cathy and nephews, Robert and Donald and their spouses and families.

Dorothy will be remembered for her beautiful smile, her kind friendship, her spirit of generosity and her gracious hospitality.  She found great joy in preparing special meals for family and friends and baking special treats.  She was an avid reader and readily shared all the new things she learned – always an educator.

A private family graveside service will occur at the Coldwater Cemetery, Coldwater.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held at St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, 429 Jamieson Drive, Orillia, on Saturday September 27, 2025 at 2pm.

Gifts of remembrance are requested for St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church, Orillia, The Women's Missionary Society, or Presbyterian World Service and Development, The Presbyterian Church in Canada and may be made through the Funeral Home.