Dorothy Apedo-Clarke
Died: May 9, 2020 | Place: Victoria Hospital, London
Obituary
APEDO-CLARKE, Dorothy…
With a deep sense of loss, and yet with the joyful assurance that Dorothy is now in the eternal care of the One to whom she committed her whole life, we announce her passing at London Health Sciences Centre Victoria Hospital on May 9, 2020 at the age of 56.
Dorothy was the cherished wife for 21 years of Steve Clarke of London. She was dearly held by her predeceased parents, Alexander Apedo-Moko and Lusi Mongo. Adored by her father-in-law (late) Rev. Morley Clarke and mother-in-law Trudie Clarke. Dearly loved Mom of Juliet Ariba of Toronto, Jonelle Clarke of London, and Esther Clarke of London. Dear sister of Selina Opus (late Francis) of Entebbe, Uganda, Phoebe Agwang (Max) of Kapelebyong, Uganda and Alfred Odeng (Stella, Lucy) of Kapelebyong, Uganda. Loved by brother-in-law Grant Clarke (Jane) of Dahlonega, Georgia, sister-in-law (late) Brenda Duncan and brother-in-law Rev. David Duncan (Ruth) of Woodstock, and sister-in-law Nancy Lahn (Murray) of Cedar Valley. She is also fondly remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews and treasured friends.
Dorothy was born and raised in Uganda. She was deeply proud of her rural African roots in the Kapelebyong District of north-east Uganda. As such, throughout her life she remained an avid gardener. Dorothy earned her Sociology and Social Administration Honours Bachelor degree in 1987, and her Masters of Public Administration and Management degree in 1996 (the same year she first met her future husband, Steve). Dorothy served as Program Facilitator and then Sponsor Service Manager for Compassion International, Uganda. She then served as Executive Director for a women’s empowerment organization, Forum for Women in Democracy.
In 1999 Dorothy married Steve and immigrated to Canada in October of that year. In her new country she dove immediately into in a variety of work roles, including Operations Supervisor at TeleTech, a software customer service organization. During this time she also earned a Medical Administrative Assistant diploma at Westervelt College. She joined the Corporation of the City of London in 2010, fulfilling several administration roles. Ultimately, she was placed as a Community Support Associate in Neighbourhood, Children & Fire Services.
Dorothy’s birth name was Tabitha. In high school a senior in her boarding school whose name was Dorothy led her to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ. She chose to change her first name to Dorothy in honour of this young lady who had witnessed the love of her Lord so powerfully. Since that time, Dorothy has remained a committed Christian, devoted to vibrancy in church fellowship. She is known to family, church members, friends and acquaintances as a sister with a deep servant heart. She has lived out her faith in countless practical, loving ways. (People were drawn irresistibly to her extravagant cooking!) Even during the trying times of her final illness in hospital, Dorothy was constantly looking to reach out to others’ needs in love and service, and pointing them to Jesus.
Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at a later date when COVID-19 public meeting restrictions have been lifted.
Donations in Dorothy’s memory can be made to Compassion Canada, 985 Adelaide Street South, London, ON N6E 4A3 or London Pregnancy & Family Support Centre, 261 Piccadilly Street, London, ON N6A 1S3. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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We first met Dorothy in Uganda when she and Steve were dating. We immediately fell in love with her and was attracted to her vibrant love for life, God and people. She was selfless in her generousity and care for others. A true Christ-follower and example of integrity. We will always cherish the memories of times together and thank God for being able to share these years with a true friend. Dorothy has taught us much and now it is up to us to live out her sincere example and cherish the memories. We rejoice in the blessed hope that one day we will be reunited in that beautiful place called heaven.
With much sympathy, I wish to express my condolences to you Brother Clarke, your beautiful daughters, family and friends on the death of your lovely wife and our precious sister Dorothy. We have been blessed to pray with you for her in the past few months, for her healing. We didn’t know our prayers would be answered by her complete and eternal healing. God’s ways indeed are past finding. As a Ugandan missionary in USA, I am proud of yours and Dorothy’s work in Compassion, that led to knowing both of you. My condolences also go to my sister in law, Carol Masaba.
Dorothy, rest in peace and yes, please do help our wonderful Lord Jesus to prepare a place for all of us that you’ve left behind. We’ll always love and cherish you in our hearts!
I’m so blessed to have known, to have been encouraged, uplifted, loved, taught by her. She surely is one of a kind that the Lord has made. I miss her so much already.
Thank you Steve for keeping me in the loop on this journey and for lovingly taking care of her until the Lord took her home to be with Him. He loved her so much that He had to have her home with Him.
I met Dorothy at London First Church of the Nazarene, and attended a bible study at her home. Dorothy had such a warm smile and sunny personality, and was a beautiful example of how to show God’s light and love in this world. She will be greatly missed in our church family, but there’s a comfort in knowing that we will meet again in our heavenly home.
RIP beautiful sweet soul – I remember what a breath of fresh sunshine you were when we first met in your early days at the COL… we didn’t always work in the same department but every single time we bumped into each other either in the kitchenette, the hallway, the bathrooms, or even in public you always had a radiant smile, no matter what kind of day either of us were having… i will never forget you! sending my condolences and the warmth of very fond memories to your husband and family… <3.... Anna Marie
Dorothy was such a beautiful soul, and a real inspiration to me. She was an amazing lady who exuded God’s unconditional love! She will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her. Comfort comes from knowing that she is with her Father. I feel blessed to have known her! ??????????
Please accept our deepest sympathy, on Dorothy’s passing. May God bless and comfort your family during this difficult period.
My condolences and you are already dearly missed by me. You’ve been taken too soon for my liking and comfort. For your presence has always brought a calmness to my life and acceptance to my mind that I am good enough in the eyes Christ.
Also your outside actions has given me such confidence in my own walk in Jesus Christ. Your have been a big model to me where others have Been challenged.
I am so pleased to have had you in my Life ??
Sincerely,
Irving Chestnut
“A/Train”
I knew Dorothy Apedo in Makerere University when we were both undergraduates. We went to the same fellowship and latter visited her in Canada. Dorothy will be missed sorely but l believe she is rested in the Lord.
What a Legacy you left behind among the poor and the rich, among the believers and unbelievers, among the whites and black people!
2Tim 4:7-8 “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” See you soon in heaven!
Dorothy we celebrate your life and thank God for many people you touched . We know you have been promoted to a better place .Steve and the girls and rest of family take comfort in the Lord who gave her to us and taken her back . He is Faithful He will never leave you nor forsake you
So sorry for the loss of this lovely woman. I worked with Dorothy at the City of London. Even though we did not know each other well, We were work friends. I know she will be sadly missed by her family.
Dorothy filled our lives with love, like a ray of light. I am greatful, I had a chance to work with her.
Dear Clarke Family: Dorothy has graduated – she “fought the good fight, finished the course, and kept the faith”. And we are all now left behind to miss her – her beautiful smile and indomitable spirit. What an example she has been for all of us who knew and loved her. May God continue to wrap His arms of comfort around you; may knowing where she is now console you; and may memories bring you solace, joy and peace. Stay strong!
Dear Steve and Family,
I cannot even begin to understand what you are going through right now, but I would like to offer my prayers and deepest condolences to you and your family.
May the peace of the Lord and His comfort be with you in His time after your time of mourning.
I will never forget Dorothy and her endless enthusiasm for the Lord; for her kindness and generosity, her fervent prayers for countless people and situations, and her hospitality and cheerful disposition. Jesus has said to her, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
My deepest condolences to the Apedo-Clarke family. I heard about Dorothy’s passing and it truly broke my heart. I will always remember her because she always had a smile on her face every time I would see her. Just a happy face, I admired that. I will never forget her.
To Steve and Trudie –
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Dorothy. Such a beautiful woman! I have so many happy memories of the Clarke family, especially in our London Conference days and nights. Do know my caring thoughts are with you.
Norma Clare
Such a kind and caring person. Our workplace will be so different without you, your presence will be a huge loss to us all. My condolences to the family and friends on their loss, my thoughts and prayers to you all. I will miss you Dorothy.
Dorothy will always be in our hearts. Wishing you and your family, Steve, peace and comfort in the coming days. Always in our thoughts and prayers,
On behalf of myself and the Members of London City Hall Toastmasters Club, of which Dorothy was a Member, please accept our Condolences and Prayers. Our thoughts are with her family. Dorothy was a valued member of our Organization and dedicated member. She delivered several speeches about her Family in Canada and her growing up in her native country. She will be missed. We loved her and each of us know that we have lost a valued FRIEND. Our thoughts are with her Family at this time of bereavement!
Dear Steve & Clarke family, I would like to express, on behalf of Compassion International – Uganda and my behalf, our sincere condolences.
We remember Dorothy’s passion for children and the key role she played as part of the frontline child advocacy chain to transform their lives.
We can only imagine what you and your daughters are going through in this season. No one can prepare us for such a loss, it comes like a swift wind. I pray that God will grant you the serenity and peace that you need.
My prayer for you is in Isaiah 41:10: “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you, yes, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”.
May Dorothy’s soul rest in eternal peace.
I received a call from Dorothy after one of her colleagues informed her I was new in town and trying to settle down. Dorothy introduced herself and as we chatted, asked how she could assist me in a practical way. Long story short, this amazing woman who I had never met, came to my home with her husband, Steve to take away my large recycling and to mow my lawn. They performed these tasks gracefully without any reward from me and freed me to adjust quickly to life in a new city. Dorothy lived a life of compassion, and service to others.
Matthew 25:40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Knowing Dorothy, I believe she received a warm welcome from our Lord on May 9. We miss her greatly, but this is not the end. Take heart, Clarke family.
I was so deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Dorothy and our hearts ache for her family’s loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Dorothy on several occasions in the past few years because my daughter, Julianna, is very good friend’s with Dorothy and Steve’s daughter, Jonelle. So I did not know her well but the few times that we had a chance to meet and talk I always perceived her heart to be full of joy, and her lovely smile was infectious. And I loved how she was so passionate about the “good news” and wanting to consistently share it with others. She was a true and inspiring disciple of our Lord Jesus.