Dorothy Jane Kerman Rognvaldson was remembered at her Celebration of Life ceremony at the Acton Legion on Saturday afternoon. The 104 year-old centenarian passed away in November, but her life and times were upraised at the celebratory gathering attended by about 80 of her admirers.
Dorothy's tribute was presided over by Rev. Deborah McKellar of Trinity United Church where she had been a long-standing member. The event included a musical prelude, a candle lighting segment, hymns, and scripture readings from Keith Black. Her daughters, Janet and Nancy, as well-as great-grand-daughter Abigail Taylor-Bealey, provided heart-felt memories of their matriarch. Rev. McKeller talked about Dorothy's organizational abilities in the church kitchen with the Christmas pudding and her legendary dinner rolls.
Dorothy was born in Oshawa in 1918. During WWII she worked at Sick Kid's Hospital in Toronto and married Clarence “Sonny” Rognvaldson in 1942. The couple settled in Acton after 1945 where Clarence taught Geography and later Shop Class at Acton District High School. Dorothy worked at the Acton Free Press and later volunteered as driver for the Red Cross, taking people to doctor's appointments and treatments, an activity she continued doing well into her senior years.
Dorothy drove an automobile well into her 80s and even later. One story has her being stopped for speeding on the 401 in Trenton, Ont., when she was over 90. She was a tireless volunteer and community supporter, and was honoured as Citizen of the Year in 2011. She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Award in 2012. In 2012, on her 100th birthday, Dorothy was presented with the key to Halton Hills.
The event closed with a singing of “We Plough the Fields” accompanied by pianist Sharon Dutton. After a reading of The Lord's Prayer, those attending were welcomed to stay for triangle sandwiches and refreshments.
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