In Memory of

Dorothy Marguerite
Paul (Patrick)

1926 - 2018

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Blair & Son Funeral Directors
112 Beckwith Street North
Smiths Falls, Ontario
CANADA
K7A 2C3

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Obituary for Dorothy Marguerite Paul (Patrick)

Life Story for Dorothy Marguerite Paul (Patrick)

Obituary, Dorothy Marguerite Paul, 1926-2018
The well-lived life is a goal many of us seek to fulfill, and what a role model we had in Dorothy Paul. Born in Carp, Ontario, October 28th, 1926, she was the youngest of four children born to Joseph and Margaret Patrick. In 1947, she married Elmer Paul of Watson’s Corners, and moved to Lanark Village, where she lived the rest of her life. In 1958, with the help of her father, they built a cottage on Dalhousie Lake, and spent many glorious summers there with her three sons, Jim, John and Joe—and countless others they welcomed to share in the experience of waterski shows, barbeques, bonfires, and campouts.
Dorothy was a true pillar of the community. She wore countless hats as part of so many organizations and groups, including Eastern Star, the library board, St. Andrews church choir, the reading program at Maple Grove School and of course, as a tireless volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society for fifty years. She was a Cub Scout leader for over twenty years, taught Highland dance and Explorers, led CGIT and belonged to a shooting club and a bowling league. Beyond these “official” roles, over her sixty plus years in Lanark, she was known by everyone to offer a welcoming home, where neighbourhood kids could drop in, and many people beyond her own children and grandchildren consider her a second mother and Grandma. She was always ready to have a visit on the porch of her big white house, lemonade and cookies ready.
She worked in a variety of places, beginning in Ottawa as a government administration clerk before she married, and later at the Lanark Fabric store. She also ran Paul’s Refreshments, aka “The Booth,” for a number of years alongside her son Jim, and for many years she decorated cakes for all occasions, particularly elegant wedding cakes.
Dorothy loved celebrations, and her house was always beautifully decorated for Christmas and other holidays. At Halloween she was known well beyond the village for her generous homemade treats, and kids who’d come trick-or treating in their youth brought their children back to see Dorothy—and maybe even get a piece of fudge or Rice Krispy square for themselves, too.
Dorothy’s life was not without sorrow; she lost her husband Elmer when he was only fifty-four, and losing her son John to an accident at twenty-two was a tragedy beyond belief. Yet, despite having suffered immense losses, she managed to carry on and live a life that exemplified what it is to be a truly giving and kind person. Her gentle guidance and steady faith, in both people and in God, continue to send ripples out into the world through all who knew her.
Family was extremely important to Dorothy. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were extremely blessed, and no matter how far away they might live, there was comfort in knowing she was only a phone call away; she always had time for a chat.
We have lost someone, but oh, how we loved her, and how much better our lives are for having been loved by her. Dorothy’s legacy of kindness and generosity will live on in her family and friends.
"How can the dead be truly dead when they still live in the souls of those who are left behind?" —Carson McCullers, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter