January 11, 1939 – November 25, 2022
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Jean on Nov 25, 2022. She passed peacefully at home, with family and best friend at her side. Dorothy will be so very much missed by her surviving husband Gary, daughter Stephanie, son Joe, and grandson Wyatt.
Dorothy was born in Victoria, BC to Francis and Alfred Porter. As a young child, her family moved to the Pincher Creek area of Alberta. Along with her sister Kathy and brother Michael, living on the ranch, she developed her ethics of hard work, and her love of the land and animals; especially Buddy and Tango, her favourite horses.
The family moved back to Victoria in 1950 when she was 11 years old. She attended S.J. Willis school where she met her future husband Gary Barlow and best friend Deanna; her two best friends for 72 years. She attended Victoria High School (class of ‘56), and after graduation Dorothy enrolled in Nursing School and married Gary on October 3, 1959. They welcomed two children into the world, Stephanie and Joseph shortly thereafter. She was a devoted and amazing mother throughout her entire life.
As her family grew, so did her personal interests. Dorothy loved being in her garden, enjoyed tennis, golf, tap dancing, and other social activities. It was the friends she made in these activities that meant the most to her. She also enjoyed several years, working in a physiotherapist office.
Her Mother Francis and stepfather Guiseppe Valli (Joe) were such an important part of her life. She was further blessed by the birth of her daughter’s son Wyatt, and she became a devoted Grandmother.
Dorothy was deeply compassionate and caring. From her childhood years through to her later years, she always gave of herself to care for others in need; her immediate family, extended family, and many friends. Later in life she devoted much of her time and her many talents at St. Luke’s Church, where she helped in outreach programs, bazaars, kitchen duties, and one of her favourite activities, singing in the church choir.
Dorothy, Mom, Nana….. you will always be greatly missed and forever in our hearts. Rest in peace.
A special thank you, that words cannot fully express, to Stephanie who provided such amazing care for her Mom over the last two years. A service and celebration of life will be held in the spring, and the date will be published on this obituary page. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
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Margaret Dyer
I am so very sorry hearing of the loss of dear Dorothy.
She is now with ‘Cousin Kim’ who also lost her battle with this dreaded cancer. Dorothy was always one of our ‘lunch bunch’, also for years Deanna, Dorothy and myself always celebrated our January Birthdays. A lovely kind sweet lady, gentle and oh so special. We’ll
Miss her, as I know just what a huge loss it is for Gary and all the family. Bless you, R I P 🙏❣️
Lesley Farey ( Dawe)
I am so very sorry for your loss .. ( my late husband Peter ) and I had so many wonderful times together at the Hockey games and Road Trips With Dorothy and Gary. I will always remember the many years we spent ,especially Snoopy Tournament in Santa Rosa!
I know the huge loss is so overwhelming for the family and all of you who’s path she crossed. A wonderful caring person I was so proud to call her a friend 🤗
She’ll be singing with Angels this year and we will never stop listening ♥️🙏
Jennifer Lock (Stevens)
I am so sorry to read of the passing of Dorothy. I fondly remember all of you as neighbours on Londonderry.
Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Rest in Peace Dorothy.
Corinne Issmer Matlo
Dorothy will be forever remembered by my family as an open heart who invited others in. Her incredible gentleness, warm smile and kindness wrapped her family and friends in love and made us all feel included. May your soul be lifted to joy and peace Dorothy, you have earned your wings.
The Pogue famiky
We are sorry for the passing of Dorthy Jean. She will be missed by many. We always found her to be very friendly and fun to be around.
Tony and Linda Pogue and family
Genevieve Richards
Dear Gary, Stephanie, Joe and Wyatt: I offer to you my condolences on the passing of our Dear Dorothy. Dorothy was a part of our Church family at St. Luke, Cedar Hill and a valued member of our congregation, a chorister and a volunteer for many programs. Dorothy was kindness and love personified. She was a “gentle” woman. We will continue to miss our Dorothy but we will hold her in our heart fondly. Blessings to the Barlow family. May Dorothy Rest in Peace. Sincerely, Genevieve.
Don Beckner
Hi Gary, sorry to hear about the passing of your wife Dorothy. Condolence to you and your family.
Murray Meikle
deep condolences to Gary,Stephanie and Joe…i remember Dorothyas a warm friendly classy woman who was always very kind.
Joy and peace moving forward
Deep condolences to Gary,
stephanie,AndJoe…a veryclassyand friendlyperson.
Linda and Jeff Monty
Dorothy was a wonderful neighbour who watched our girls grow up. She was always helpful with gardening advice and would arrive at our door bearing large stems of rhubarb. I will really miss our conversations and her presence.
Gord and Jan Wickware
So sorry to hear and our deepest condolences Gary and your family. Will always remember her from the hockey days. She was a wonderful person and will be missed by many . Gord and Jan Wickware
Genevieve Richards
Dear Gary, Stephanie, Joe and Wyatt: By way of this note, I offer to you my condolences, on the passing of our Dear Dorothy. Dorothy was a member of our St. Luke’s Victoria Church Family. Dorothy was a Volunteer in many of our Church Ministries – Choir, Hospitality, and wherever her talents were needed. She was kindness and Love personified. We will miss her dearly. May she Rest in Peace. Sincerely, Genevieve.
Barb Prescott
My condolences to Gary, Stephanie, Joe, and Wyatt. Dorothy was such a special person! I was so glad I was able to meet her at St. Luke’s. I loved working with Dorothy. She was always so upbeat, keen to help and try new things, and be involved. She was such a great help in the kitchen for Fantastic Fridays and at other times. We talked about gardening – what had worked well or not in our gardens each year. She was a blessing to us at St. Luke’s. We will miss her. Rest in peace, dear Dorothy.
Greg Westby
Although I only knew Dorothy for a few short weeks, I knew she was someone special. I feel honoured to have made her acquaintance. Thank you Mrs Barlow for sharing a small part of your life with me. May peace be with her family, and treasured memories never fade.
Gary Barlow
Thank you everyone.
There is a celebration of life for Dorothy Jean on April 22nd, 2023 between 1-4pm at our home, 981 Londonderry Road.
Please RSVP by April 15th, 2023 to Gary.Barlow@shaw.ca or call, 250-479-4736
Thanks