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Dorothy Downs

July 31, 2011

DOWNS, Dorothy (Bearchill) – Peacefully at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital, on Sunday, July 31st, 2011, in her 90th year. Beloved wife of the late Johnny Downs with whom she created and shared the Latin Quarter Restaurant for 37 years.  Loving mother of Dr. Tom Downs and his wife Bonnie, of Beaufort, S.C. and Jayne Downs and her husband Bill Hudson, of Port Stanley.  Also loved by four grandchildren:  Andrew Downs, Allyson Downs, Andrew West and Scott West, and their families.  Dear sister of Alice Ayre, of London.  Survived by many nieces and nephews.  Cremation has taken place. The memorial service will be conducted at the WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Wednesday, August 3rd, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation two hours prior to the service. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dorothy are asked to consider the L.H.S.F. Cancer Centre or the Alzheimer Society.

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Dorothy & Johnny gave me my first solo break after leaving the band at the Stork Club. I'll never ever forget the encouragement , advice and trust Dorothy & Johnny gave me when I was young and stupid. I'm going to miss my visits to Dorothy in Port Stanley and Port just wont be the same anymore. A 1st class lady, an innovator a mentor & mom to all. Always told it like it was.... She and Johnny live on through their legacy exemplified in their 1st class children and grandchildren. This is a huge loss to me. My deepest sympathy and admiration. Wish I could be there- Alex

~ Alex Karas ( Karavasiis )

(Donated to Alzheimer Society)

~ Scott West

(Donated to L.H.S.F. - Cancer Centre)

~ Mary Rose and Doug

(Donated to Alzheimer Society)

~ Gary Jeffery

Tom and Jayne....the news of your Mother's passing has bought me great sorrow only to be followed by a flood of wonderful memories of her and your remarkable Dad. I owe them so much for their patience and guidance during times of our youth. The Latin Quarter and your family are etched on my heart.

~ Chris van der Baars

We are thinking of you all and hope the happy memories of Dorothy will get you through the tough days. She certainly lived every day to the fullest and is a someone we can all admire.

~ Scott and Kristen West and the boys

Tom and Jayne It was a priviledge to have known your parents. The lovely memories come so easily....your father's voice offering wisdom in his gentle way and your mother's subtle support provided always with an interesting story. I cherish my association with them and with you. I am sorry not to have been able to visit with you. Donna and I extend our heartfelt thoughts. Barry Nunn

~ Barry Nunn

Dorothy was a valuable member of Heritage Port and will be greatly missed.

~ Heritage Port

Jane, this is sent with heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Also thank you for the kindness that you showed towards me during a rather difficult time in my life while we were at Talbot St. Public School. I have always wanted to thank you. Your parents were also kind to me. Thank you. 878evadoe@gmail.com

~ Elaine V. Antone

Jim and Elizabeth HudsonWhat a wonderful lady she was...a real firecracker...she lit up the room when she made her grand entrance, as she knew and was known by everyone in town…and was the cutest little gossip (in a nicest of ways!). She was welcoming and kind and taught everyone around her how to age gracefully with dignity and the resolve to make each day count...she loved to gamble and was one of the lucky ones...in life and in love...Port Stanley has lost one of its very best…

~ Jim and Elizabeth Hudson

What a wonderful lady she was...a real firecracker...she lit up the room when she made her grand entrance, as she knew and was known by everyone in town…and was the cutest little gossip (in a nicest of ways!). She was welcoming and kind and taught everyone around her how to age gracefully with dignity and the resolve to make each day count...she loved to gamble and was one of the lucky ones...in life and in love...Port Stanley has lost one of its very best…

~ Jim and Elizabeth Hudson

My thoughts are with you, Jayne, Bill, Alice and your family at this time. Dorothy possessed a wonderful spirit, and will always be remembered for this.

~ Christine Voorhaar

Dear Tommy: My sincere condolences to you and your family. I have such fond memories of the Latin Quarter and also of times here in London with you, Penny and Tom. Unfortunately I am unable to attend the visitation or memorial service tomorrow. You are in my thoughts. Pat(ricia) Black

~ Patricia Black

I lived at the Latin Quarter in the early 50's. Dorothy and Johnny were good friends. Jackie & Johnnie Walters

~ Johnnie Walters

Dear Jayne and Bill - We are all so sorry for your loss. From the stories Bill has told us about his mom-inlaw, we know she was an extraordinary person who will be missed by many. Sincere condolences. Staff

~ Elgin and St. Thomas Housing Corporation

Dorothy had the energy most of us can only wish for! She had jaw dropping stories and experiences to share! She had a twinkle in her eye! She gave us the recipe for the best tourtiere we've ever had (though truthfully ours never comes out quite as good!) Lots of memories. Our deepest condolences Jaynie.

~ Bob & Sharron

Dear Jayne The Port Stanely Festival Theatre Staff and Board of Directors express our deepest symapthy for your loss. Your mother was a dearly devoted patron to the Theatre and in her honour we will place a plaque in the theatre in her memory. She will be truly missed. Deepest Symapthy Mary Dunn President Board of Directors

~ Port Stanley Festival Theatre

Tom and Bonnie, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We will miss your Mom's fun visits to Beaufort and the neighborhood! Love, Colleen and Jack

~ Colleen and Jack

We have many memories of Dorothy. If we bumped carts at the Port Stanley Foodland she was eager to chat, with news of family and of her own adventures. Dorothy was cheerful, outgoing and always bubbly. She has left a grand legacy of adventurous children and grandchildren for us to enjoy. As Bob says, "She was a great girl."

~ Bob Henderson and Margaret Voorhaar

Our thoughts are with you. We will always have fond memories of Dorothy.

~ Diane lynn Ayotte, Rudy Pilz

Dear Tom and Bonnie, We are so sorry for your loss. We have you and your entire family in our prayers.

~ Ed and Patrice Hardee

With great joy we remember the life of Aunt Dorothy. She was a very, very special lady and we loved her dearly. She always offered her generosity, her humor, her boundless energy and her joy of life. She was one very classy lady and we will truly miss but never forget her. Bye Aunt Dorothy Love Gary and Lois

~ Gary and Lois Jeffery

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L.H.S.F. - Cancer Centre

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