It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Gauthier in her 96th year on August 17, 2025, with loving family by her side. Now reunited with Charles (Chuck), her beloved husband of 64 years, and her daughter Chantal, she is survived by daughter Louise, son Michel (Tricia), granddaughters Stephanie, Kelly (Tom), and Emilie (Dan), and great-grandchildren Duncan and Hazel. She was the first of four children born (in 1929) to Camille and Alva Coutu in the small northern Ontario mining town of Cobalt. Right after completing secretarial school, Dorothy moved to Montreal where she was introduced to Chuck and, together, they launched on a life of global military adventure with postings to southern Mississippi, twice to Germany, and in Canada where, after many years of service in Ottawa, they settled into retirement. She supported Chuck’s career with energy and grace as he took on increasingly demanding appointments in the RCAF and later in the public service. She balanced these demands with her work at Expo 67 in Montreal and several years at CBC, including as Executive Secretary to the President. Together, Chuck and Dorothy built a wonderful retirement with dear friends at the Camelot Golf and Country Club, in Panama City Beach in the winter months, and many lifelong military friends. Dorothy was an amazing cook and a hostess who took such a genuine interest in people. She was a natural storyteller with an almost photographic memory who, until her last days, was able to recall escapades with names and places from her days growing up in Cobalt and so many stories of interesting places she had been and the many lovely people she had forged friendships with. Her story of being stopped by kindly local police while driving her father’s delivery truck around town without a license at age 14 stands out. As she was fond of saying, “not bad at all for a little girl from Cobalt.” After Chuck’s passing, she enjoyed many years at Waterford Retirement Residence where she avidly followed the news, especially politics, socialized with new friends, and generously spent her time knitting for the Perley Veterans and other charitable causes. The family wishes to thank Carol and the Care staff of Cité Parkway, particularly the Personal Support Worker team and nurses on 7th Floor Assisted living who cared for Dorothy with love and kindness in her last months. There will be a private interment ceremony at Beechwood at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Perley Health Veterans Foundation would be appreciated.
Livre de visiteurs
Jay Williams
Karen, Andrew and Willow Hanlon
I was sad to hear of Mrs. Gauthier’s passing. She and Chuck and their children were wonderful friends of our family. One of my fondest memories of Mrs. Gauthier is from about 7 years ago when she joined my sister, Cathy, my sister-in-law, Pamela, my mom and me for a Christmas baking session. I know Mom considered Dorothy to be a special friend. Our condolences to Louise and Michel. Xoxo
Anita Voyer
I was her sister-in-law for a few years and she was a sister I never had. Thoughtful, welcoming and so nice. I will miss her very much. Rest in peace dear Dorothy. XO
Sam Antila
My most sincere condolences to cousins Louise and Michel and his family on the loss of their mother, my matante Dorothy. We spent a lot of time together as families, in our early childhood as matante and my mother were very close. I have fond memories from those years and how warm and welcoming she always was. Such a beautiful smile. She will be missed.
RIP matante.
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Dorothee’s granddaughter Stephanie who has shared many funny stories, highlighting her wisdom and wit over the years. A remarkable woman I got to know from afar. My sincere condolences to all family and friends in this difficult time.