Dorothy Anne Mackinnon

It is with great love and aching hearts that we announce the passing of Dorothy Anne MacKinnon who died very peacefully on February 26 in the arms of her family.
Dorothy Anne was born in Yarmouth on June 14 1930 where she lived a life full of music, dance and laughter with her parents Doris and Eric Rogers and her younger brother Eric “Bub” who have predeceased her. She leaves behind her husband of 64 years, Robert Kitchener (RK), daughters Barbara (Ulf) Snarby, Bev Pettersen, Becky (Archie) Mason and son John (Lori) MacKinnon. She cherished the spirit of young children and embraced her role as grandmother to Kristopher, Andreas, Hans, Brenna, Ben, Liana, Nathaniel, Bria and her great- grandchildren Tove and Trig.
Dorothy Anne loved children. Immediately after graduating from Normal (Teachers) College in Truro in 1949 she started a 41 year career as a kindergarten teacher – first as a primary teacher in Liverpool and later in the kindergarten program she operated from her home. She taught hundreds of Queens County children the importance of caring, sharing and being a good friend.
It was her pursuit of a teaching career that brought her to Liverpool and to the love of her life – RK.. Together they created an incredible home for their family, tackled life’s challenges, celebrated big and small wins and travelled to new and exciting places – they created a magic and we are all better for it.
Never one with a high tolerance for whining or drama, Dorothy Anne accepted a dementia diagnosis straight on. With the support of family, her Main Street neighbours and the amazing care of her special friend Trisha Doucette, she continued to enjoy being surrounded by family, celebrations at Ponhook Lake and Corkum Road, laughing with friends and enjoying friendly people. Her final months were made so much easier by the wonderful staff at Harbourview Haven where she enjoyed a new freedom, made people smile and met new friends like Shirley, Lois, Hilda and Barry.
Dorothy Anne was of small stature but left a big footprint and a mark that lasts. She was a member of the Zion United Church and its choir for over 50 years, served on the Liverpool School Board and Queens Family and Children Services; was an advocate for people with learning disabilities, was a staunch supporter for the Progressive Conservatives, supported the Queens County Festival and has been the consummate fan for sports teams and musicians from Queens County. Her cheers, laughter and guidance will resonate forever.
Cremation has taken place under the direction of Chandlers’ Funeral Home, Liverpool where visitation will be held Monday February 29, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. A service to celebrate her full and wonderful life will be held Tuesday, March 1 at 2:00 at Zion United Church in Liverpool. Reverend Carol Smith and Reverend Joanne McFadden officiating. A private family burial will take place at a later time. Family flowers only, donations in her memory can be made to the Zion United Church Liverpool, the Queens Food Bank or Astor Theatre Society. Online condolences may be made to www.chandlersfuneral.com.