Obituary of Dorothy Marian McClelland

DOROTHY MARIAN MCCLELLAND
April 14, 1933 – March 4, 2025

After 91 well-lived years on this earth our vibrant mother, Dorothy McClelland, passed away peacefully in the company of her family at University Hospital on March 4, 2025 after a brief illness. Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Joseph McClelland; her parents William and Lillian McLellan; her brothers and sisters and their spouses – Harold, Gord and Evelyn, Bill and Eva, Ann and Reg, Irene and Jim; her brother-in-law and his spouse – Jack and Ruth; and by her dear friend Mary Roberts. She is survived, and deeply missed by her children Jeff (Weiling), Bobbie, and Scott (Suzanne); and by her granddaughter Alex (fiancé – Chris), and grandson Sam; as well as by many nieces, nephews, and friends

Dorothy was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and moved with her family to London Ontario at the age of ten. She was athletic by nature and enjoyed skating, running, golfing, hiking, and exercise groups. She loved to dance, to entertain, and to travel. Her friends, her faith, her family, and especially her children were everything to her. And music was her special passion – Above all, Dorothy loved to sing, and she was fortunate to receive vocal training from accomplished instructors such as Mr. John Wood, Mrs. Mildred Faust, and a number of professional opera singers who offered private coaching.

Dorothy’s professional training as a business secretary took her into the burgeoning field of media in the 1950’s where she worked at Capitol Records, CFPL Radio, and the London Free Press, and where she both flourished and gained a reputation for setting the bar high for uncompromising standards of performance. At heart, Dorothy was a lover of people, a generous friend, a compassionate listener, a fierce advocate, a patient teacher, an adventurist, a sharp mind, a wry humorist, and an avid lover of life. She was grateful for every day that she lived and for every person who touched her life – And she will be forever missed and fondly remembered in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known her.

Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, on Wednesday, March 12th from 3 - 7 o'clock. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Michael’s Church, 511 Cheapside Street, on Thursday morning, March 13th at 10 o'clock. Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Please feel free to celebrate Dorothy’s life with memorial flowers, with a donation to your favourite charity, or with an act of kindness to someone in your life.