Dorothy Jean (Harlow) Vipond
Died: January 1, 2014 | Place: University Hospital
Obituary
VIPOND: Dorothy Jean (Harlow)…… Peacefully, at University Hospital, London, Ontario, Wednesday, January 1, 2014, in her 98th year. Cherished wife of the late Reverend Dr. Reid Vipond (2001); loving and proud mother of Mary (Bill Butler; Peter and Catherine), Fran (Don Menard; David and Aimée, Elizabeth and Alan); Doug (Jane Bowden; Nick and Sam); and Rob (Gina Feldberg (2010); Susanna); Great-grandmother of Damien and Jace. Born in Edmonton, Alberta, to Milton and Jean (Mathers) Harlow, Dorothy spent five years as a child in India where her father worked with the YMCA. Memories of those years never left her. She and Reid were proud graduates of Queen’s University where she was the recipient of the Gold Medal in English in 1939. Through their years in ministry with the United Church in Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario, Dorothy was a wonderfully supportive “Minister’s wife” who always found a way to be her own person. In the 1950s, she earned her M. Ed from the University of Alberta and, subsequently, taught High School in Regina and became a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg. She also was a columnist for the United Church Observer. In the 1960s, she researched and wrote a local history as a Centennial project for the rural municipality of Woodworth, Manitoba. In the decades that followed, she pursued interests in travel, genealogy, gardening and reading. Having earned her ARCT (Piano, Royal Conservatory) in 1935, her love of music was a constant through all the years. Her keen interests in education, literature and music remain a treasured legacy for all of the family. Predeceased by most of her Harlow and Vipond siblings and their spouses, Dorothy is survived by her loving sister, Isabel Plant (Stratford), her sister-in-law, Annie Irvine (Listowel) and many nieces, nephews and their respective families. Heartfelt thanks to the regular and support staff at McGarrell Place (Harris House) for their tender care and attention. Cremation has taken place. Family will gather at a later date to lay her ashes to rest at the Donegal Cemetery in Perth County, Ontario. Memorial donations, if desired, would be appreciated in support of the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada, 3250 Bloor Street West, Suite 300, Toronto ON, M8X 2Y4 or the Dean’s Entrance Bursaries Fund, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Queen’s University, Gordon Hall, Room 225, 74 Union Street, Kingston, ON, K7L 3N6. A. Millard George Funeral Home, entrusted with arrangements 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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I knew Dorothy in Winnipeg when I attended Westminster United as a teenager.She and Reid nurtured me in the faith.
So I rejoice in that memory.
Saddened to learn of Dorothy’s death. My deepest sympathies to the family. I have such wonderful memories of Reid and Dorothy and chats of India, ministry, family and the Observer for which we both wrote. A beautiful human being, sadly missed but she left her mark. David McKane
I remember Dorothy as a generous soul with a calm demeanour, a lovely understated sense of humour and a love of books that was palpable. I especially appreciated her
hospitality when I was a single young thing in Winnipeg as well as her
ongoing interest in Harry’s and my life. Harry and I send heartfelt condolences to the family at this sad time of parting.
Dear Fran, Don, and Mary,
I was saddened to read of your mother’s death. She was indeed a remarkable woman, as you so lovingly and fittingly remembered her in the obituary in yesterday ‘s Globe. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marguerite Van Die
We were saddened to read of your mother’s passing. Your dad married Calvin and I in Metropolitan Church, Edmonton in 1953. My mother was church secretary at the church in the late 40s and early 50s and we knew your mother and father very well. W had a chance to visit with them in London in the mid l990s when we were visiting my brother Earl Orser who lived in London at that time. Please know our thoughts and prayes are with you at this difficult time. Blessings. Cal and Connie Firth
Dear Fran,
What an accomplished and rewarding life your mom enjoyed! Although her quality of living greatly declined in recent years, it’s still very difficult to lose one’s mother. May knowing she is in God’s everlasting care give you continued faith and peace at this time.