Obit: LEADBETTER, Dorothy Geddis [née MERLIN]

LEADBETTER, Dorothy Geddis - 91, Oakwood Terrace, Dartmouth, formerly of Halifax and Springhill. It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother on January 31, 2010. She left us peacefully on the wing of a prayer at Oakwood. Dorothy "Dot" was born in Springhill to the late Charles and Stella (Matheson) Merlin. A widow for many years, she was a devoted mother full of energy and full of life. She gave her love and time selflessly to her sons and their families abounding in laughter and joy. Residing in Halifax, she looked forward to her wonderful summers at Heather's Beach, an annual sojourn since her early childhood. She loved her early morning swims, sometimes accompanied by the young seals, and long walks on the beach. Dot was a supreme hostess and welcomed all, looking forward to the time spent with family and friends. Also an avid skater, her friends at the rink knew her as "Red Dot". She loved music, singing and dancing and was a terrific cook, making her famous oatcakes, carob balls and shortbread cookies for the grandchildren. Taking great pride in her unparalleled collection of family photos, Nanny Dot was often seen camera in hand. With a great sense of fashion, she was always at the forefront - dramatic and bright with her yellow and animal prints, and she loved her baubles. Before retirement, Dot worked many years at The Chronicle Herald as librarian where she developed some long-lasting friendships. She was a graduate of St. Charles Commercial College in Amherst. Dorothy is survived by James Leadbetter, son, and Beverly (Harnish) Leadbetter, daughter-in-law, of Seaforth; Hugh Leadbetter, son, and Donna (Barteaux) Leadbetter, daughter-in-law, Dartmouth; grandchildren, Katherine Leadbetter, wife of Danny Menard, Salluit, Que.; Jeff Leadbetter, Montreal, Que.; Elizabeth Leadbetter, Troy, Pa.; Jason Leadbetter, Halifax; Nicholas Leadbetter, Seaforth; sister-in-law, Ruth Leadbetter, Springhill and sister-in-law, Ruth (Brown) Merlin, Amherst. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Claude Leadbetter; sisters, Florence Shearer and Olive Donavon, and brother, Carl Merlin. There will be a memorial service and celebration of Dorothy's life in early summer. Dorothy's family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone, especially the staff at Oakwood, for their kindness and support. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia.
[Wednesday, 03-February-2010 The Chronicle-Herald, Halifax NS]
[collected by EMKeys 2010-02-03]
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