Obituary of Dorothy Moore Anstey

Dorothy Moore Anstey (nee Clark) passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025 at Port Hope Extendicare two weeks shy of her 103^rd birthday.  Predeceased by her two husbands, James Moore and Thomas Anstey, her two brothers, Cameron Clark (Eleanor) and Bruce Clark (Catherine), her sister-in-law Phyllis Moore and her stepson Kevin Anstey. Survived by her two children, John Moore (Joanne) and Louise Moore and her second family Marilyn Suke (Ralph) and Robyn (Bob Blain) and her grandchildren Lauren Moore (Rob Dingwall), Tim Moore (Paige), Tory Pearson, Charlie Pearson, Brian Suke (Judy), Jennifer Packer (Brian) and Peter Suke (Hillary Williamson) and great grandchildren Harper, Maggie, Calvin, Anika, Gavin, Max and Elliot.

Dorothy was born on December 15, 1922 in Peterborough County to Milton and Myrtle Clark. She graduated from Teachers College in Toronto and soon began her teaching career as a primary school teacher. She later earned her BA from Carleton University.

After their marriage, Dorothy and Jim lived in the Ottawa area. Dorothy taught kindergarten at Bells Corners, Knoxdale and Richmond public schools for over thirty years.

While education was her professional calling, Dorothy pursued other interests with equal dedication. She loved gardening, devoting hours of care to her various vegetable and flower gardens. Her artistic pursuits included weaving and oil and watercolour painting. Dorothy was an avid Bridge player throughout her life. She loved entertaining guests at the family cottage on Mississippi Lake near Carleton Place; she is never without a smile in pictures taken at the lake.

Dorothy and Jim moved from the country to Crystal View Lodge in Nepean. Following the passing of her husband, Dorothy met and married Tom Anstey, her neighbour at the lodge, who shared her love for the botanical world. Tom introduced Dorothy to sailing and they enjoyed travelling around the world for several years. Dorothy cherished her time with the Ansteys at Tobermory.

Dorothy was actively involved with various churches throughout her life including the United Church in Richmond and Bethany Baptist Church in Nepean. At Bethany, Dorothy brought her calling for education together with her love of gardening, establishing the Green Thumb Garden Club to introduce young people to the joys and rewards of urban vegetable gardening.  She supported countless mission, refugee and humanitarian initiatives, impacting the lives of many in the Ottawa area and around the world. 

Dorothy lived a life of service to her faith, family and friends. She was an outstanding mother, wife, grandmother and great grandmother. She was unfailingly kind, respectful and accepting, enriching every life she touched. In life, as in death, Dorothy embodied love, dignity and grace.

The Moore and Anstey families are grateful for the loving care provided by the exceptional medical, care and support team at Port Hope Extendicare during the last four years. This facility is truly a gift of love and kindness.

A celebration of life will be held in Richmond in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations in honour of Dorothy will be gratefully received by the Clark Ministry through The Navigators of Canada.