Obituary of Dorothy Leone Doerr

Her prayers have been answered. Dorothy Leone Doerr (Gray) passed peacefully on February 4, 2022, at the age of 88.

Some of her final words include ‘tell my friends not to be sad, they stuck by me a long time and I’m grateful’ and ‘I have lived a good life and it’s time to go’. She will be greatly missed by her sister, Carol Nash, her sister-in-law, Audrey Sutton, her nieces, nephews and friends. 

Born August 23, 1933, in London ON. Leone was the eldest child of Helena & George Gray. She grew up during the Great Depression watching her mother work outside the home to help support the family and the struggles this created in the marriage. Leone helped raise her siblings and was there to support her mother when her father died suddenly and prematurely. During these formative years she learned to be frugal, to take care of herself and to appreciate everything she earned. 

As a young woman she loved spending time at the beach with friends and after a long courtship she married the love of her life, the late Harold Doerr on November 9, 1956. They were happily married for 47 years.

Graduating H. B. Beal Technical and Commercial High School with her Grade 12 diploma, Leone secured her first job as Typist and Accounting Clerk with the Provincial Court. In 1970, after proving herself a capable and dependable leader she was appointed Justice of the Peace in and for the County of Middlesex and by 1976 her appointment was extended to include the Province of Ontario. She presided in Young Offenders Court, Bail Court and Provincial Offences Court. During this time Leone also completed the Ministry of the Attorney General Management Development Program and went on to supervise, lead and mentor a number of colleagues, some of whom remained in contact with Leone until the end of her life and continue to this day to speak highly of her accomplishments and quiet but firm leadership. 

Leone retired in 1994 making more time for her and Harold to enjoy horse racing, the casinos and traveling with time spent in Florida, Palm Springs and Las Vegas. She was a supportive caregiver as Harold lived with and struggled with cancer. After his passing in 2003 her independence and strength carried her through her grief and she went on to enjoying day trips, meals out with friends and family with shopping becoming her favourite pastime.

Leone will be remembered and missed by many of us. She loved and was loved in return. She enjoyed her life and shared her kind and generous spirit with everyone who was privileged to know her. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at Seasons Retirement Home in Strathroy who cared for Leone with great compassion and dignity during her time with them and to the staff at Strathroy General who helped make her final days as comfortable as possible.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place and the family will gather in the Spring at St. George’s Cemetery in Hyde Park to scatter her and Harold’s ashes in the scatter garden. To honour her memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Anova in London ON. Anova provides safe places, shelter, support, counselling, and resources for abused women, their children, and all oppressed individuals to find a new start - a cause that aligned with Leone’s values and one which she advocated for during her career. Online donations and condolences may be made at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to DENNING’S OF STRATHROY.