Dorothy Mae Gilmer passed away peacefully at Northumberland Hills Hospital on March 13, 2025 at 92 years of age surrounded by her loving family. Dorothy was born and raised in Newtonville, but lived most of her life in Port Hope. She married her beloved husband, Jim Gilmer, on September 25, 1954. During their more than 70 years of marriage, they shared a deep love and affection for each other and took great pride in the large (and often boisterous) family which grew from their union.

A co-founder of Gilmer’s Home Hardware alongside Jim, Dorothy worked diligently to help grow the business and enjoyed interacting with many customers as well as the staff who became an extension of their family. The two purchased the business in 1971 and it remained in the family for nearly 40 years, with three generations working there.

Dorothy excelled at making others feel welcome. She was adored by her family and adored them right back. Continuously demonstrating the importance of hard work, she raised her children while also helping to run the business. Later in life, she embraced the fun-loving role she played as grandmother and eventually great grandmother, taking much joy in watching the young members of her family relish life. As the matriarch of her family, she was supportive and encouraging, with a great sense of humour and an infectious laugh.

Dorothy will be deeply missed by her husband, Jim, and their family and friends, including children: Karen and Carm Trizzino, Jeff and Cyndi Gilmer, and Lynn and Ken Swales; grandchildren: Ashley Holden (Joe), Kara Marshall (Chris), Chris Gilmer (Keely Jacox), Dave Trizzino (Marianne Kennedy), Nathaniel Swales, Brian Gilmer (Amy), Carsson Swales, and Jennifer Gilmer (Ken Graham); and 12 great grandchildren.

A well-known and active member of the community, Dorothy will be remembered by many others, including the friends she made through the Port Hope United Church, service clubs, community groups, and philanthropic efforts she was involved with.

Lovingly cared for by Jim, especially in recent years, her family is incredibly grateful to those who additionally provided care during her long goodbye, including the teams at Empire Crossing Retirement Living, Harmony Memory Care at Palisade Gardens, Regency Long Term Care, and the Northumberland Hills Hospital Palliative Care Unit.

A visitation for family and friends will take place at Allison Funeral Home, Port Hope, from 4:00-8:00pm on Wednesday, March 19. A memorial service will be delivered at Port Hope United Church on Thursday, March 20 (visitation to begin at 10:00am with service to follow at 11:00am) with a reception to follow at Port Hope Lions Recreation Centre in celebration of Dorothy’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations by cheque in Dorothy’s memory are welcome to Northumberland Hills Hospital Foundation or Port Hope United Church general fund.

“Grief is the price we pay for love” - Queen Elizabeth II