Biography

It is with saddened hearts, we announce the passing of Dorothy Jane Graham of Truro, Nova Scotia, age 75. 1948 - 2023 Dorothy, known to everyone as Dot, was born in New Glasgow Nova Scotia to parents Richard (Dick) Cook and Jean Elizabeth (Betty) Cook (MacKay). Dot is survived by her five siblings Elizabeth (Liz), Frederick (Fred) and sister in law Marie, Florence, Brenda, Billy and sister-in-law Francine. Dot spent most of her childhood with Aunt Honey in Westville, while uncle Bernie worked away on the railroad. Dot had her first daughter Nikki in 1967, while living in New Glasgow where she worked the Drive-In in Westville as well. She met her late husband David in 1969 and shortly after, her and Nikki moved to Trenton Ontario where Dave was stationed with the Air Force. They had daughter Candice in 1970 while living in Trenton, returned to Nova Scotia for a period of time, then moved to Edmonton AB, and eventually Richmond BC. Dot and Dave parted ways and her and the girls moved back to Nova Scotia, Nikki 9 and Candice 7, to live on Vimy Road in Bible Hill. Dot worked in the dining room at Keddy's Motor Inn in Truro and also waitressed at Bogie's Lounge there. Dot was friends with everyone who met her. She knew so many people and they all loved her as if she was their own momma, aunt, sister, or grandmother. Her heart was bigger than anyone's and she happily gave a piece of her heart to anyone who needed it. Dot also worked the Truro Laundromat on the Esplanade for a period of time. On hot summer days, the door would be propped open and her oldest granddaughters Kristen and Hayley would often stop in for a quarter for the jelly bean machine and a big hug that would make you smell of Jontue perfume for the rest of the day. A smell that will forever be ingrained in our hearts. Dot loved the woods and she loved nature. A quiet forest by the beach on the Bay of Fundy was her favorite place to be. Her and Jenny Dog were often found camping in Economy point, strolling the beach in her Grateful Dead hat, and sleeping in a cozy tent up in the woods by a lookout. A lot of memories were made in that special part of the world for Dot and she reminisced about them often, along with many other stories she would be sure to tell Liz on Sundays when Liz would call from Florida. Being home on Sunday for those calls was always important to her. Dot was very close to her two daughters Nikki and Candice her whole life and will be deeply missed by both of them as well as her son-in-law Scott Fiddes, who called her Mamma Bear. She was extremely proud of her grandchildren. Kristen (Nikki and Art King), Jamie, Lucas and Rachel (Nikki and Gordon Lawrence), Hayley, Jared and Destany (Candice). Her great grandchildren thought the world of her and saw her through eyes that only a great grandchild can. She was a warm and safe place that felt like no other. Arielle (Kristen), Alijah and Darrius (Hayley and Dominic), Ryker and Max (Rachel and Josh) will hold their Great Grammy Dot in their hearts forever and ever with enough hugs and kisses to last eternity. The family couldn't have asked for a more loving, generous and kind matriarch to watch over us all. Dot's sister Liz, grandson Lucas, granddaughter Hayley, and daughters Nikki and Candice provided love and companionship for her over recent years at her home on Pleasant street where she passed peacefully. Crosswords, many pots of Tetley tea, and many many stories will now be shared with her friends and family in the spirit world. Rest peacefully Grammy Dot. We'll sit by your tree often, and tell you all kinds of wonderful stories from here until we hug you again. Okie Dokie Doggy Daddy? There will be a celebration of life for Dot at the Truro Air Force Club at 22 Cottage Street in Truro. Saturday May 20th from 2pm to 5pm. Music, light snacks, beverages, and shared memories. Come and stay for as little or as long as you like.