Dorothy Fleming-Needham (née Fry)

Dorothy passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. She was a unique and caring individual who touched the lives of all who knew her.

Born September 4, 1928 in Toronto, Ontario to parents Vera and Harry Fry. Dorothy is pre-deceased by her husband Bill Needham, her daughter Debbie Parachoniak, her son-in-law Sonny Parachoniak and her brother Gordon Fry.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Jackie (Gord) Del Degan, David Fleming, Cindy (Andrew) Nashed, and Pam Hunter. She will be sorely missed by her grandchildren Adam (Danielle) Del Degan, Emma (Justin) Charbonneau, Kate Del Degan, Shane (Amanda) Fleming, Nikki (Scott) Berry, Carly (Steve) Henning, Michael (Meghann) Fleming, Sandi Parachoniak, Jody (Richard) Stone, Rudy (Stacy) Parachoniak, Andy (Emily) Parachoniak, Andrea Hunter, Andrew Erland, Duncan Hunter, Erin Hunter as well as her many Great-Grandchildren. She will be remembered fondly by Joan Fleming, Dave (Alison) Fagan, Jim Fagan, Noel Patterson and many friends from her church, All Saints Anglican in London.

Dorothy had a variety of occupations throughout her life, the most recent being a College Instructor at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario for over 30 years. She inspired many of her students to go for their dreams and never to give up on themselves.

She raised her five children on her own; ages ranging from 9 months to 8 years of age in an era where it was frowned upon to be a single Mom. She would often work three jobs at once, desperately trying to keep her family together. She attended the University of Western Ontario, determined to obtain her Bachelor of Arts degree. Her happiest moment was when she walked across that stage to receive her well-earned degree.

Dorothy was always willing to extend a helping hand to anyone that was in need. The compassion she showed to others was genuine and heartfelt. She was a profound lover of all animals and kept a constant barrage of wayward cats and dogs at her property, feeding and caring for them.

Our heartfelt appreciation to the staff, PSW’s and nurses at Mapleview Terrace, as well as the VONs, PSW’s and nurses from St. Elizabeth’s. We are so very grateful for the care, kindness and compassion you all showed our Mom while she was there.

Friends will be received at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Monday, June 26, 2023 for visitation from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment at Woodland Cemetery for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to make a memorial donation to the Humane Society London & Middlesex, Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation & Education Centre, or to charity of your choice.