Obituary of Dorothy (Dot) Lillian Tonge (nee Bray)

March 8, 1928 - Montreal, Quebec

April 16, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Dot Tonge, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at the age of 96 years.

Dot was born in Montreal, where she was one in a family of four girls, to mother Rose Bray (nee Fulford) and her father Sidney Bray. She married Richard (Dick) Tonge and raised five children together.

The Tonges first came to Calgary in 1978 and became members of the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL).

Dot worked in Calgary for the Bank of Montreal for thirteen years, retiring in 1993.

She was a member of the RCL Branch 264 and immediately volunteered as an effective member. She worked in many different departments, from handicap shuffleboard and bingos to bulletins, and accepted an executive position when called upon. She had attended many conventions and was even the sports chairman.

In her free time, Dot enjoyed travelling, especially cruises and her most memorable vacation was her first trip to Manchester, England, to visit her relatives.

Dot is survived by Robert (Sylvie) Tonge of Saint-Lazare, QC, Elaine Tonge of Kitchener, ON, Deborah (Tom) Nielsen of Calgary, AB, and David (Nathalie) Tonge of Rigaud, QC; Linda Tonge, Châteauguay, QC, her nine grandchildren, Kelli Tonge, Jason Tonge, Kathryn (Nick) Gassner, Paul (Eva) Nielsen, Jonathan (Heather) Tonge, Melissa Nielsen, Scott Ondich, Corey Tonge, and Jamie Ondich. She is also survived by ten great-grandchildren, Thomas, Ben, Emily, William, James, Ella, Scarlett, Aiden, Jesse and Noelle. 

Dot was predeceased by her parents, Rose Bray (nee Fulford) and Sidney Bray; her husband Dick Tonge, daughter Donna (Rene) Balez, her son Richard Tonge, and her three sisters, Joyce (Norman), Nancy and Audrey (Lorne).

Dot will be most remembered for her kind heart, her love for her family, and her passion for volunteering. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family wishes to express their sincerest appreciation to the staff of Bethany Calgary, level 8 (SP) for the genuine care and compassion they have shown over the years.

“She was such a loving, caring, resilient, and good Grandmother.

 No longer suffering anymore. Bittersweet news.”

Memorial Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Inurnment Service to follow in the Calgary Crematorium Columbarium.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Tonge’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Dot’s family here.

In living memory of Dot Tonge, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Calgary Crematorium, 3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 3A6, Telephone: 403-299-0111.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Dot's Memorial Service