Dorothy Irene Macdonald Bailey (B.A. Acadia, B.Ed. UNB) – 92, Truro, wife of the late Dr. Alan W. Bailey (2011) died Wednesday, April, 20, 2022. Dorothy was born on New Year's Day, January 01, 1930, in Moncton, New Brunswick, and was the only daughter of the late Harvey Earle and Edith Irene (Philips) Macdonald.
She graduated from Moncton High School and Success Business College and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Acadia University. Dorothy moved to Montreal where she was employed as an Advertising Assistant with Robin Hood Flour Mills. Later, she enrolled at University of New Brunswick where she worked part-time as secretary to the Physics Department, while studying. After receiving her B.Ed., she joined the faculty of St. Stephen High School.
Following marriage and the birth of three sons, she was employed at Dorchester Penitentiary. Dorothy was the first female Classification Officer to work in a Maximum Security Penitentiary in Canada. When her husband graduated from University of Toronto with his PhD., and accepted a teaching position with Nova Scotia Teachers College in Truro, Dorothy joined him. Following the birth of their daughter, she became a full-time mother.
She joined Brunswick Street United Church in 1965 and was a Life Member of the U.C.W., a former elder, and member of Presbytery. Dorothy was appointed to the Board of Directors of Windsor Elms where she chaired the Staff and Services Committee for many years. She was a long serving member of the executive of Colchester Lung Association where she chaired the Bursary Committee. Dorothy was a former member of the University Women's Club, Teachers College Faculty Wives, and a charter member of the Travel Society. She studied Gerontology from Mt. St. Vincent University. She was interested in genealogy and researched her family background. She enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading and caring for her grandchildren. She recorded the lives of her family by completing more than sixty large photo albums of their lives.
Dorothy was a faithful and devoted wife, a loving and supportive mother, a caring and giving grandmother and a loyal friend to many.
She is survived by her sons, Philip (Donna), St. Albert, Alberta; Michael (Arlene), Truro; Gregory, Lake Echo; daughter, Jane, Upper Tantallon. Dorothy delighted in her grandchildren, Jason, Jennifer (Dillon), Gilles (Patricia), Michelle (Alex), Emily (Mitchell), Liam, Jerry and Jilly, as well as great grandchildren, Caius, Arya and Emma. She is also survived by her brother, David (Sharron), Riverview, New Brunswick. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Alan, in 2011; her oldest brother, Donald Macdonald (Suzanne); brother, Douglas Macdonald (Edna); daughter-in-law, MaryAnne.
Her body has been cremated. A Memorial Service will be held 1 p.m., Friday, April 29, 2022, at Brunswick Street United Church, 250 Brunswick Street, Truro, Reverend Gary MacDougall officiating. There will be a reception and informal visitation in the dining hall following the service. A private family committal service will be held for both Dorothy and Alan with interment in the family plot in Belmont Cemetery.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Bruce Phillips and Dr. Jill Wong for their care and compassion over many years and also to her best friend, Doris Grant. If so desired, donations in Dorothy’s memory to Colchester East Hants Health Centre Foundation or a charity of the donor's choice are welcomed.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall – Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Dorothy’s obituary on-line and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com