Passed away peacefully after a short, courageous battle with cancer. Born in Burnaby BC, she is the daughter of the late Muriel Arline Tate and the late Robert Gordon Ostrom. Dorothy attended Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, receiving a B.Sc.(hon.) in Chemistry and subsequently a M.Sc. in Chemistry from McMaster University in Hamilton where she met her future husband. Dorothy was a research manager with Health Canada for many years and was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal for her contributions.
She had a long-standing interest in genealogy, was an active member of several genealogical organizations, and published a detailed ancestry on one branch of her family. She also had an interest in history and had almost completed writing an extensive history of her local neighbourhood to be published posthumously. She also enjoyed other hobbies including cooking, gardening, reading and travel. She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Thomas (Tom) Paul.
The excellent care she received by the oncology doctors at the Ottawa Hospital, General Campus as well as the nurses and staff of 5 East is gratefully acknowledged. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Ottawa Hospital or another favourite charity would be appreciated. A memorial service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery, 280 Beechwood Avenue, Ottawa, on Thursday, December 9th at 2 pm.
Digital Guestbook
David Ludwig Meyerhof
Ida Henderson
My sincere condolences, Tom. I knew Dorothy for probably more 20 years, having met through our work. At some point I was invited to join the threesome of Dorothy, Leslie and Karnayati for a monthly lunch outing from Health Canada. We continued the tradition after retirement. Always enjoyed hearing of Dorothy's genealogy and history projects, travels and other exploits. She's the only person I've met who had both U.E.L. and D.A.R. credentials. Dorothy's insights and laughs will really be missed.
So sorry I was unable to attend the service. Will go out to Beechwood this weekend,
Jeff Whyte
I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Dorothy. She was a thoughtful and competent manager of our Division. She will be sorely missed.
Margaret Parlor
I am so sorry to hear the news. I met Dorothy about 35 years ago through the Women's Network Breakfast group. Though our lives went in different directions in more recent years, I still remember Dorothy's very special optimism and love of life. The world has lost a gem.
Bliss Tracy
Tom, please accept my condolences. I will certainly miss Dorothy, who was my colleague and friend during the 29-year span of her career at Health Canada. She made many contributions to protect the health and safety of Canadians.
Murray Martin
Sincere condolances on the passing of Dorothy - a life well lived
Janice Hopkins
Dorothy was a colleague of mine at the Health Protection Branch in the 1980's and 90's. She was a delight to work with, always cheerful even during the most challenging times. My sympathy to her family.
Andy M. Palochik
Dorothy will be missed, Her kind words and insight were always appreciated and helpful, We share in your loss Tom.
Heather and Paul Gulyas
Tom, Paul and I are so saddened at Dorothy's passing and your loss. She really was a cornerstone of our Honey Gables community. On the Honey Gables Community Association as our Secretary and Street Rep for so many years... we could always count on her excellent form, memory and many years of stories about all the families who have lived here over the years. Hopefully her book will get published as we will all be so enlightened by her work. We think of you these days as we also remember her always. Heather and Paul Gulyas
Maren Mehnert
Dorothy was a lovely woman, warm and welcoming. She was my first contact for DAR and she helped make my application perfect for DAR’s standards. The amount of volunteer hours she put in is impressive and a testament to her love of the organization. I am forever touched by her gentle character.
Maren Mehnert
Dorothy was part of our family as Tom is my cousin. Dorothy was a wonderful, special person who had such a cheerful disposition. She had a true passion for her hobbies, her research, life and her work. She had a remarkable knowledge about genealogy, chemistry, medicine and the effects of pollution on the environment.
Carol, Matthew and I will truly miss her.
Our hearts go out to you, Tom.
Her is my poem for Dorothy:
THE WELLSPRING OF LIFE
What is that which stares us in the face
What is that which we cannot replace.
There is not a word spoken
Yet there is a road unbroken.
Yes, we must go on
Even without the one who is gone.
Travel upon that beaten path
Go forth despite the thicket’s wrath.
The wellspring of life tells us more
Such as the ship landing at our shore.
But what strength, what courage blooms
And opens every door in all our rooms.
We will not let her down.
We have so much love with nary a frown.
We will stand strong, we will stand tall
You are in each of us forever and all.
David Meyerhof