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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
HALPENNY, Dora Louise (née SMITH) - Peacefully, with her customary grace, Dora passed away at the Veterans Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, ending a long life of devotion to her family and kindness to others. Loving wife of the late Arthur Stirling Halpenny. Cherished mother of Jane Louise Loughborough, John Stirling (Ruth), Mary Francess Smith (Stephen) and Thomas Arthur (Beth). Most loved Gran of Sean and Graham (Keri) Loughborough, Christopher (Larissa) and Gregory (Amanda) Smith, Brooke (Mitch) and Dale (Andrew) Halpenny and Johnathan Halpenny. Great-grandmother of Rowan and Mira Smith, Emma and Addy Loughborough and Pearson Gillin. Dora was predeceased by her sister Elinor (Meredith) and brothers Foster, Billy and Ed. Dora's death marks the end of the Dr. George E and Louise (Faircloth) Smith family generation. Dora was born at the family cottage on Georgian Bay. The spirit of Georgian Bay and her Christian faith informed every moment of her life. Generous with words of support and caring, we remember her famous line: 'Just have faith, dearheart'. Resilience, endurance, courage, service, hope, faith, compassion and love were qualities in which Dora fervently believed and which she shared with all she met. Always gracious, kind in her actions and her words, unselfish and generous, she was an inspiration to us all. She attended Brown PS, Branksome Hall, Oakwood Collegiate and U of T; at the same time helping out with her father's practice as a Paediatrician in his home office at 244 Bloor St. Her war service in the Women's Royal Canadian Naval Service (WRENS) took her to Esquimalt and Halifax. She married Arthur in June, 1945 and with him raised their four children on Blyth Hill Road and in the family home at 50 St Leonard's. Mom loved to be part of her children's activities. She was devout in attending their sports games, musical events and facilitating their pursuits as they matured. Dora's degree in Commerce and Finance equipped her well for the bookkeeping and office management career she enjoyed at law offices in downtown Toronto and with the family business. Her volunteer work in the community included the Big Sister Association, Lawrence Park Community Church, Girl Guides, and the CGIT. Family summers on Island 62 and Bone Island sustained Dora. Her entire family was in the immediate area; siblings, nieces and nephews, first and second cousins, only an island away. She maintained keen interest in everyone and everything that was associated with Georgian Bay cottage life. Swimming, blueberry picking, rowing and paddling were daily activities; the family picnics with cousins were legendary. The calls of the loon, the songs of the spring peepers, the antics of the beaver, rowing around Green Island with Aunt Min, the forays to find Pitcher Plants, the water skiing lessons, sailing the Ackroyd dinghy, singing songs while on dish duty; these memories forged connections to the Bay. Cremation has taken place. Private family arrangements. The family is grateful to the staff of K2W, Veterans Centre. Special thanks to Anna, Fiona and Sarah. Recognizing Dora's love of Georgian Bay, we suggest memorial donations to; Georgian Bay Land Trust; Georgian Bay Forever; Cognashene Community Church. (The Globe and Mail 01 Jul 2023)
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