Dorene May
Dorene passed away gently in her 87th year on November 23, 2022. Always optimistic and healthy, Dorene briefly struggled with declining health this fall. She was always deeply involved with her family, who will forever remember her laugh and unwavering love. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Thomas James May. Tom and Dorene were avid hikers and travellers, visiting all parts of Canada, the United Kingdom, and Malta. They created a welcoming home filled with unconditional love, delicious meals, puns and teasing that kept us all on our toes (a favourite pun when someone hurt their foot was, “toe what?”). Dorene was always there when you needed straight talk or a sympathetic shoulder to cry on. Her many friends in Owen Sound were a big part of her life. She was active in the community, was a valued volunteer with Owen Sound Hospital, and a member of Central Westside United Church. She was a champion conversationalist, always available for a phone call or visit. Dorene was also a role model for people with diabetes, having been diagnosed at 11 years old and managing her diabetes with intelligence and rigour so that she broke every expectation for diabetics throughout her lifetime. She was predeceased by her parents Bernice and Herb Carlton. In 2020, she grieved the loss of her grandson, Jeremy Mallet. Her sisters, Marilyn Charlton, Gail Gray, and their families were an important part of her life. She will be missed and remembered with love and gratitude by her son Steve Gillespie and spouse Bobbie of Owen Sound, Linda Gillespie and partner Frank Robbins of Young’s Point, her stepdaughter Cheryl May and spouse Julian Richings of Toronto, and stepson Tom May of New York. She will always be a guiding light to her grandchildren Jessie May, Justin Mallet, Frederick Richings, Rosemary Richings, and Matthew Patterson. She will also be missed by her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and neighbours. There will be a private family service at a later date. Dorene deeply enjoyed her time at Summit Place and appreciated the staff and friends she met there. She was also grateful to the Grey Bruce health team for their care. As expressions of sympathy, donations to Diabetes Canada would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Grey Bruce Cremation and Burial Services, www.greybrucecremation.com.