Obituary of Dorothy HAMMILL

March 4, 1953 – Halifax, Nova Scotia
March 3, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Dorothy Hammill, wife of Don Hammill of Calgary, AB, passed away at the age of 67 years, from complications with cancer. 

Dorothy was born in Halifax, NS on March 4, 1953. She graduated from Dalhousie University in 1974 with her BA in classics.  She moved westward to Waterloo, ON, and then on to Edmonton. After falling in love with her future husband, Don, she headed to Calgary in 1986.

Dorothy and Don married in 1987, establishing their family with the birth of Spencer in 1989 and Murray in 1991.

She was detail oriented and a consummate organizer providing success throughout her career, and parlaying into many social groups and events including the famous Hammills’ Open House, book club, games night, bridge group, and investment club.

Although she taught herself to be an excellent cook her favorite thing to make for dinner was reservations.     

As a beautiful lady she would not be seen in the morning unless she was dressed and had her make up on! Her self-manicured finger nails were emblematic. She did not own a pair of jeans until she was 30, thinking they were a touch too casual. 

Dorothy accomplished much through her life and was particularly proud of her two successful and loving sons, and the publishing of her investment book.

Dorothy was a voracious reader, with a love for words and editing. She was rewarded by her interests in investing, gardening, puzzling, bridge and crafts.  An animal lover, Dorothy cared throughout her adult life for special pets including rabbits, dogs and cats.  The Calgary Zoo was a favourite haunt.

Approachable, understanding, and compassionate, Dorothy would give her time to listen and support anyone who needed it. 

Dorothy loved travelling and discovering with her family, and had a special connection with the ocean. One of her favourite memories was of floating peacefully in the warm ocean waters off Hawaii, reminding her of the ocean from her childhood. 

She will be most remembered for her love and commitment to her family. Besides her husband, Dorothy is survived by her two sons and two daughters-in-law, Spencer (Mandi) and Murray (Nastasia) of Calgary, AB. She is also survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Grant (Anne) of Chester Basin, NS; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

A Private Family Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 12, 2021 at 4:00 MST. Condolences, memories and photos can be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Public Library Foundation, https://libraryfoundation.ca/donate/ or to the Calgary Zoological Society, https://ckc.calgaryfoundation.org/profile/calgary-zoological-society/.

In living memory of Dorothy Hammill, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.