Dorothy "Dot" Titus

Peacefully and surrounded by her family, Laura Dorothy nee (Williams) Titus (lovingly known to many as Dot) passed on November 4, 2025, in Saint John, New Brunswick, just weeks shy of her 104th birthday. A centenarian with spirit to spare, Dot will be remembered for her tenacity, grit, humour, laughter, and sometimes, a little bite. Her sharp wit and radiant presence were a source of joy to everyone who knew her.

Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, on December 16, 1921 to Alice Maud (Lobb) and Samuel Grandville Williams. Dot grew up in a bustling home filled with siblings, stories, laughter, and the rhythms of a world on the cusp of transformation. She would go on to witness and live through it all: the end of World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, famine, the first women’s voting movement (which she was so proud of), global pandemics, and the rise of modern medicine and technology.

Few lives have stretched across as much change, and even fewer met change with as much  strength, curiosity, and moxie as she did.

Dot was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lewis Victor Titus; her daughter, Judith Gail Cromwell; her daughter-in-law, Linda Rose Titus; and her siblings, Ronald Williams, Lillian Martin, and Rolland Williams.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Beverly) Titus.

She will also be fondly remembered by her grandchildren:
Kimberly (Robert) MacKenzie, Gregory (Leanne) Cromwell, Andrew (Krista) Cromwell, Keith (Cecilia) Titus, and Jill Joynes.

Her great-grandchildren, who affectionately called her Grammy T:
Chelsea MacKenzie, Kaitlyn MacKenzie, and Colin (Karlee) MacKenzie;
Cameron and Carson Cromwell;
Austin, Brandon, and Alexis Cromwell;
and Dylan, Connor, and Jaxson Titus.

Her great-great-grandchildren, each of whom she proudly celebrated:
Kambree, Kendall, Luka, Blaire, Ella, and Holly.

She is also survived by her niece, Sharon (Glen).

She also leaves behind her lifelong friend, Mary, whose companionship spanned decades of shared laughter, summers at Crystal Beach, and many special times.

War, Loss, and Change

Dot’s life unfolded through eras of sweeping change. She endured the hardships of the Great Depression, learning how to make much out of little, and to do so with humor, heart, and style. During World War II, she watched loved ones and friends leave to serve, some, whom did not return, including her brother, who was lost at war. She saw sorrow, but she met the world with resilience, love, and fortitude.

She lived through the shift from horse-drawn wagons to electric cars, from rotary phones to FaceTime, and from radio broadcasts to watching humankind walk on the moon.

As a girl, Dot would sit beside her grandfather, leaning close to the crackling radio as Foster Hewitt called out that legendary phrase, “He shoots, he scores!!!” She was, in every sense, a true Canadian girl.

Dot lived not just through history, she thrived alongside it.

A Love Story, a Second Life, and a World of Adventure

After living in uptown Saint John for many years, Dot and Lewis built a full and lively home in East Saint John, and when Lewis wasn’t on duty at the Saint John Fire Department, they raised their children, Judy and Rick, among their favorite activities; picnics, swimming at Lily Lake, family BBQs, camping, hunting, fishing, skating, and taking joy in the simple abundance of the outdoors with many a trip to Titusville.

When Lewis passed, Dot, at age 55, did not fold inward. She learned to drive, grabbed the wheel, and started another life.

In time, she met Bill Thompson, her steadfast companion in adventure. Together they travelled the world. To mention only a few: Scotland, England, Ireland, Morocco, Greece, Portugal, China, Thailand, Jordan, and throughout Canada and the United States, driving in Bill’s Lincoln… what an adventure! To boot, a convoy to Mexico, which left many a story to be told. Dot and Bill made the world bigger, richer, and brighter for everyone around them.

Dot and Bill became snowbirds, spending their winters at their trailer in Florida and their summers at Crystal Beach. Crystal Beach remained one of Dot’s happiest places, and she continued returning there well into her 90s.

Faith, Community, and Connection

Dot was a dedicated member of St. Mary and St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, where she nurtured friendships that spanned lifetimes. She was active in Bible Study, the Women’s Guild, ACW, and PROBUS.

Dot volunteered for years in pastoral care where she offered comfort, great conversation, and laughter, at the same nursing home where she lived her final days.

In her everyday life, Dot was especially known for her love of cards. Her Thursday night card club was not just a hobby; it was a community and one of her happiest rituals that she looked forward to every week - she would always say she won more than she lost.

Her Legacy

Dorothy’s life spanned a century and counting, she reveled in the thought of climbing those numbers, each as an achievement of a life well lived. She fancied herself having earned celebrity status.

She leaves behind a family who adored her and a legacy of love. Thank you for the stories of your life, both fact and fiction. Thank you for the laughter, the stubborn courage, and the love that grew a family.

We salute you, our Matriarch.

We’ll live a little brighter and bolder because of you.

We will miss you forever, our Queen Dot.

In Her Honor

Donations may be made to the Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) or the Canadian Diabetes Association.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (506-646-2424). A memorial service will be held at Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday November 8th at 10:00 a.m. Interment to be held at Titus Hill Cemetery at a later date.