Dorothy Alice (Maskill) DeVouge, passed away August 9, 2017 at 8:10pm in Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Truro. Born in Truro on April 28, 1923, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Jennie Maskill. The youngest in the family, she grew up on College Road in Bible Hill. During her younger years, she was active in sports, especially softball and was on many winning and championship teams. Shortly after WWII began, she joined the Women’s Army Corps and worked in Halifax doing, as she liked to say, intelligence. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Glen Lego DeVouge from the Gaspé. They were married on October 8, 1943 and lived in Bible Hill. A year later, they welcomed their first son, Tom. Six years later, they welcomed another son, Fred. A few weeks later, Glen contracted polio. Dot nursed her husband back to health all while caring for a baby and a six year old. Those were hard and trying times for a young wife and mother. Happily, things brightened and four years later, they welcomed their last son, Gary.
In 1956, the family moved to Murdochville in the middle of the Gaspé Peninsula, where Glen found work in the copper mine. A lot of time was spent out at the coast at L’Anse –a-Brillant with Glen’s family. Many happy family times here spent there. In 1966, they moved back to Wright Ave., Bible Hill. She was a stay at home mum. Eventually, Dot took a flower arranging course at the NSAC and shortly after went to work with Suckling and Chase Florists and then Jean’s Florist. Her ability at floral arranging and decorating made for many gifts for family and friends. She created items for donation for the Truro Legion and St. David’s Church and other charities. She did all the flowers at her granddaughter Patsy’s wedding. She loved her flower gardens and they were magnificent. She had a green thumb and could make anything grow. Dot was a long time member of St. David’s United Church, Bible Hill and was active with the UCW. She was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26 and also a member of the Auxiliary and later on the Widows and Widowers Club. She loved to dance and there was rarely a Saturday night where she and Glen weren’t attending a dance at the Legion or Sergeant’s Mess in Debert and elsewhere. She loved fishing and she and Glen enjoyed camping as well as travelling in their spare time. There isn’t a fishing hole in Central Nova Scotia that Dot couldn’t identify and provide a review for whether for or against. It is said that Dot could lure and catch fish where no one could. She was an avid bowler, retiring from the sport only two years ago. Many a trophy and honour were won by her. She also played Bingo especially on Wednesday evening at the Legion. She enjoyed playing cards, especially Auction 45’s and would proudly enjoy beating her sons, which was often. She also enjoyed monthly trips to the Casino in Halifax. She liked flea markets and yard sales. Dot enjoyed travelling in Canada and the United States with family and friends. She was feisty in nature, quick witted and always ready to have a good time. Dot moved to the joys and sorrows of life with steadfastness, strength and a sense of honour. Dot’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those who as they left from their visit would stand in the window and wave goodbye. Those who love her take comfort in knowing she’s in the windows of heaven waving as she anticipates their arrival. She is survived by sons, Tom (Janet), Valley, Fred (Donna), Onslow, Gary (Sandra), Lower Debert; daughter in law, Beverly, Salmon River; grandchildren, Mike (Min), Tim (Karen), Cindy, Dawn (Mike), Dorothy (Gordie), Jennifer, Patsy (Mike), John (Heather), Lesley (Dale), Jeffrey, Bethany (Kris); great grandchildren, Brooke, Isabelle, Laurali, Leo, Tara, Ethan, Gracie, Jesseca, Matthew, Nathan; many nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by husband, Glen; grandson, Peter; brothers, Tom (Gert), Jim (Kay); sister, Hannah (Bob). A time of visitation and celebration of Dot’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 16 from 6-8pm in Colchester Community Funeral Home, 512 Willow St., Truro. Please bring a story or remembrance of Dot either verbal or written to include in a memory book for the family. Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Thursday, August 17 at 1pm in Crossroads Cemetery, Valley with Rev. Beverly DeVouge officiating. As Dot loved flowers so much, we ask that you wear bright colours on those days in her memory. Donations may be made to St. David’s United Church, Canadian Cancer Society or to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 26, Truro. The family would like to thank Dr. Michael Murray, Dr. Henderson and Dr. Smith for their care of Dot over the years and in the recent weeks. Thanks also to the Palliative Care team, The VON, and Continuing Care and especially to the nursing staff on the Palliative Care Unit at CEHHC. You are phenomenal! Online messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.ColchesterCommunity.com