April 18, 1930 – February 8, 2008

Dorothy was born in Toronto on April 18, 1930. Born deaf, she was the only child of deaf parents, James Richard Tate Jr. and Muriel Allen. Without brothers, sisters or cousins, she adapted to the isolation of a silent world with wit and creativity. In addition, through the constant companionship of her grandmother Rebecca, who would often take her to the movies and also to her cottage in Sutton for the summers, she acquired a strong sense of compassion and independence.

Dorothy attended a special class for the deaf at Clinton Street Elementary School in Toronto and academics came easily to her. She took weekly piano lessons for 10 years as a girl and performed at school assemblies, despite her inability to hear.

In 1941, a cute boy named Alldyn Clark arrived at the school, having recently become deaf due to spinal meningitis. She and Alldyn soon formed a friendship that would last a lifetime.

Attending Central Technical High School was more challenging since Dorothy was mainstreamed with fully hearing students. However, she adapted quickly and continued on to obtain her high school diploma, graduating near the top of her class.

Alldyn and Dorothy married at Toronto’s Evangelical Church of the Deaf on May 24, 1952 and had four children. After moving to Florida in 1965 to enjoy a change of scenery for a few years, the family relocated back to Ontario, choosing the beautiful town of Bracebridge as their new home.

In time, their children Howard (Rita), Jennifer (Jim), John (Christine) and Norman (Sue) produced 11 grandchildren: Kevin, Jennifer, Leonard, Jonathan, Jessica, Katie, Jordan, Madison, David, Greg and Lori-Anne. Unfortunately, Dorothy’s early onset of Alzheimer’s disease took away the chance for her grandchildren to know what a special grandmother they had. How she adapted to her deafness with skill and pride. How she blossomed from a restless tomboy into a beautiful woman, winning the beauty contest held at the Ontario Association for the Deaf convention in 1966. How she was a strong supporter for the deaf community in Toronto. How her intelligence, intuition, guidance and love provided leadership to her family.

The funeral service was held February 11, 2008 at Reynolds Funeral Home, Turner Chapel, in Bracebridge. The service was officiated with dignity and light-heartedness by noted Minister of the Deaf, Rev. Bob Rumball. In addition to his busy duties as minister to the deaf, Rev. Rumball has been a powerful advocate for deaf rights for decades. He founded the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf in Toronto and many other beneficial facilities and services for the deaf in Ontario.

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Pines Long-Term Care Residence in Bracebridge for their warm, professional care of Dorothy for over 12 years. Their kindness and personal touch was like they were caring for a close relative. The result was dignity and comfort for Dorothy, and reassurance for her family.

Spring interment will be at Bracebridge Municipal Cemetery.