Dorothy Agnes Montgomery
Born: October 6th, 1921
Passed on: September 17th, 2015
Born in Englishtown on Oct. 6, 1921 to Josie (MacDonald) and Duncan MacAskill, Dot moved across St. Ann's Bay in her late teens to work for the widowed Donald Montgomery.
In her position of housekeeper/cook she provided assistance with the running of a farm, fishery, rural post office and general store. The family included Dot's contemporaries Harry, Johnny, Isa and Angus Montgomery. Thus began her tenure as an integral fixture in Jersey Cove, a role she would play for the next 70 years.
In 1944 her title changed slightly from Montgomery housekeeper/cook to Montgomery wife when she married Harry, who predeceased her in 1992.
The last member of her generation, Dot was also predeceased by her brothers, Russell (Bessie), Ernie (Sue) and Everett MacAskill and sister Anna Morrison (Edward), brothers-in-law, Johnny (Georgie, Anna) and Angus (Christene) Montgomery, sister-in-law Isa (Tommy) Campbell, nephew Robert Campbell and niece Joyce MacAskill.
In addition, Dot saw the untimely death of her daughter Isabel.
She is survived by daughter Marie, son Harold (Eileen), grandson Hal (Kiera) Montgomery, granddaughter Danielle (Bruce) Stockley and sister-in-law Joan MacAskill. Nieces and nephews Sandra MacAskill, Beth Spooner, Brian MacAskill , Shirley Morrison, Mary Morrison Rankin, Charles Morrison, Wayne MacDonald, Joanne MacAskill, Duncan MacAskill, Carl Campbell and Marilyn Montgomery as well as many grandnieces and grandnephews.
Dot was a truly kind, gentle soul, with a twinkle in her eye and a dry wit. She was the longtime organist for Oliver United Church in Englishtown and member of what became St. Ann's Bay United Church. Dot's character included a large dose of steely determination and true grit that saw her through the Great Depression, the Second World War, untold hours of hard work, illness and many losses. Yet throughout her life she maintained the ability to put things in perspective and was an anchor of stability and balance. She genuinely felt her lot in life was good and never complained. Her hospitality, legendary generosity and ability to be a discreet confidant spoke volumes to everyone around her.
When (and only when) asked, she provided guidance to new friends who came 'from away' on everything from making biscuits to learning the ropes of running a home in rural Cape Breton. Dot was adored by family, friends and neighbours, beloved by animals both domestic and wild and her loss is felt keenly by us all.
The family invites Dot's many friends and neighbours to visit with her and us, have a cup of tea and laugh together at the St Ann's Bay United Church Tearoom in Barrachois on Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 3-8 p.m. Funeral to take place Thursday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Pine Hill Cemetery, North Shore Volunteer Fire Department, St. Ann's Bay United Church or any charity of your choice. Arrangements are under the direction of MacAskill Funeral Home, Baddeck.
