Obituary of Dorothy Ann Elms
Dorothy Ann Elms (née Crowley) passed away on Friday 13 December 2024 in Digby, at the age of 81. Born in Peterborough, Ontario on April 12, 1943, she was the youngest of William and Loretta Crowley’s six children: Renie, Francis, Marie, Marge, Terry, and Dorothy.
Dorothy was a trailblazer, the first in her family to earn a university degree. After studying at Queen’s College in Ontario and completing her nursing education at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, she settled in Digby in the early 70s. It was there she met and married Neville Elms. Following their separation, with the support of the Elms family, Dorothy raised her two children, Michael and Trish.
From psychiatric nursing to a transformative stint working in Northern Canada, and later to the maternity ward, she provided health care during some of the most pivotal moments in people’s lives. Dorothy loved being a nurse, especially in the later years when she moved from the maternity ward to working with seniors in a new day program, she had a hand in creating. Did you know you could make chocolate out of potatoes? Dorothy did. And she shared this and other amazing skills to encourage the seniors she helped at day hospital. She finished her career as a freelance insurance nurse — on the road, doing what she loved — connecting with people across Digby, Annapolis and the French Shore.
Dorothy had an adventurous spirit that shone in every aspect of her life. She loved socializing and made time to give back, participating in charity bike rides during her nursing career. A dedicated advocate for health and wellness, she ran numerous well-women’s clinics, empowering others to lead healthier lives. She also advocated for raising drug-dependency awareness programs. Dorothy was also a proud member of the “Over-50-and-Fabulous” Red Hatters, a group that perfectly reflected her belief in living vibrantly and fully.
Her love for adventure took her across Canada, exploring places like Newfoundland, the Maritimes, Western Canada, and the North. She also visited the United States, and later in retirement, Scotland.
She was a pretty good cook. Her Christmas feasts and spaghetti are remembered with fondness. She injected so much magic into her children’s lives — a million cats and a faithful collie. She made birthdays and festive celebrations unforgettable, including creating the world’s most extraordinary Christmas stockings. There was green milk at St Patrick’s (a nod to her proud Irish roots), road trips across Canada in the 80s with her children in her red Pontiac, with no air conditioning. And even in the blistering heat she could still out-drive the Hell’s Angels.
Dorothy is survived by her two children, Mike and Trish; her treasured grandchildren, Bridget and Delilah; her beloved son-in-law, Danny; and daughter-in-law, Kate; her sister, Marge; cherished extended family in Nova Scotia, Ontario and Scotland – and the many other friends and family whose lives she touched.
Dorothy always urged us to “have courage.” In her memory, we honour her fiery spirit and boundless love.
“She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.”
A private family celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held by her children – her son Michael in Nova Scotia and daughter Trish in Ireland. The family warmly invites you to share your condolences and memories. In honour of Dorothy, who embraced life fully with joy and passion, the family kindly asks that instead of flowers or donations, you take a moment to do something special for yourself because Dorothy would have loved that. Celebrate her memory in a way that feels meaningful to you. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home, Digby County Funeral Chapel, 367 Highway #303, Conway, NS B0V 1A0 (902-245-2444).
