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Dorothy was diagnosed with colon cancer that had spread significantly to her liver May 26th, 2002, and she died a short two months later on July 26th, 2002. The following dedication for Dorothy Rushton includes excerpts from the eulogies given by her daughter Marilyn and grandson Jeff at Dorothy’s funeral July 30, 2002.

On behalf of her children:

Mom was born in Montrose, Nova Scotia May 18th, 1921. Her parents chose a very suitable name for her – Dorothy –, which means "Gift of God." Mom was one of five children. Later, she herself, became the mother of 5 children.

As her five children we all realize the many ways in which our lives have been blessed because God entrusted us to, the loving care of a woman who gave sacrificially for her children. In Mom’s mind it was what a mother is called to do. As my sister Brenda said, "Mom was a parent in the best sense of the word. She was all that God meant parents to be and do."

My brother Arn recently came across a few words, which he believes, describes the approach Mom took in raising each of children and in loving each of her grandchildren:
"Prepare the child for the path
Not, the path for the child."

There is no doubt that we were blessed with a Mom who put the needs of her children before her own. In addition to giving sacrificially to meet the needs of her children, Mom also, accepted the uniqueness and individuality of each of her children. She never compared one of us to another. We have all chosen very different paths in life and we have all experienced Mom’s love and encouragement – in good times and in challenging times. Mom was always there to listen to us without judging us. While Mom did different things at different times with and for her children, it was always important to her that she try to treat each of us as equally as possible.

She loved to have her family together as much as possible. Whenever she experienced a milestone in her life and we wanted to throw a party for her she told us that the only party she wanted was to have her family together. In the midst of her failing health, she purposed in her heart and planned in her mind a family gathering to celebrate 6 milestones in life of different family members from November 2001 to this coming November. In her honour we had that celebration July 7th.

There is no doubt in any one of our minds, that truly Mom was a gift of God to each of her children and their families. Her sacrificial giving, her commitment to family, her hard work, her strength and determination are qualities we will always remember about her.
On behalf of her grandchildren:

As I (Jeff) reflect back on my experiences and the experience of those around my Grandma, I think of several adjectives that describe her: kindness, caring, compassionate, thoughtfulness, considerate, high integrity, and two words that I think best sums it up: true selflessness.

Of all the people I have ever had the privilege of meeting in my life, I found our grandmother to be a woman with great strength who never complained, never spoke about herself but always dedicated herself to helping those around her. Kind to a fault, she taught all of us the Value of thinking beyond our selves by providing a sense of security, love, and trust so important to all of us as grandchildren as we grew up.

We will always love our grandmother partly because she made us feel special. She never missed a birthday card, always making the special effort to be at special events like our graduations, and always was the rock upon which our collective families could build a foundation around.

I have been very reflective the past few days about her and what she represented and my conviction is to ensure that I try my best to emulate throughout my life some of the great qualities she has taught me. Diane and I will be dedicating next year’s cancer cycle ride to her memory in hopes someday thee will be a cure for the awful disease that took her from us.

As I close, I want to share a powerful statement Grandma said to me when I had the opportunity to visit her in late June. As she reflected on her situation and the likely outcome of cancer, she matter of fact stated: "Jeff I believe God put me on this earth for a purpose and that purpose was to raise 5 great human beings; and I think I did a pretty good job at that. And now the time has come for a new purpose that He will have for me."
Grandma, Nan, Mom, or friend depending on your relationship with my grandmother all of us believe you have indeed accomplished your purpose and in doing so have made all our world a better place to be. May God continue to bless you in your new role for everything you continue to mean to all of us.

Dorothy followed the first Coast 2 Coast ride through the daily updates from the website. This year she’s following the second Coast 2 Coast ride from heaven above. In both rides we know she is very proud of her grandson, Jeff, and his co-riders for their commitment, strength and determination in the fight for a cure for cancer.

A Tribute to Our Mom and Grandmother
The older we have grown, the more
We have realized what a privilege it has been
For us to have a mother / grandmother like you ….
Our appreciation of you has increased
With each passing year.
We have come to understand
In a greater way
The sacrifices you have made
So that we could have
The best you could possibly give.
The lessons and values
that you have imparted to us
are the gifts we treasure always ….
Because you imparted them
Not only through your words,
But through your actions as well.
Most of all,
We thank you for every Godly quality
You have been faithful to express to us
Through the years ….
Thank you for giving us
The greatest heritage of all ….
The heritage of love!