Dorothy (Hagan) Jones

In Loving Memory of Dorothy Jean Jones (Hagan)
October 30th, 2025 — 5:00 a.m.

On October 30th at 5:00 a.m., heaven gained a beautiful, smart, humorous and empathetic soul — Dorothy Jean Jones (Hagan), holding mom in my arms through her last moments at home where she wanted to be.

The heartbreak of her loss is deeply felt by myself, Stephanie Jones, my daughter Paislie Jones-Hall, my sister Leona Balaj Jones, her husband Lah, and their three daughters Leonita, Majlinda, and Dorina. Our father Leo Jones, his sister Nancy Whorral, and his brother Bryan Jones. She will also be missed by her brother Donald Hagan (her golf and football confident), Paislie’s uncle Andrew Hall, Mom’s close friends Jenn Stenpien and Adrienne Wilker Luft, and so many others whose lives she touched, share in our sorrow. All of those that provided heartfelt support and shared in the journey, you know who you are.

From her initial cancer diagnosis over a year ago, through surgery and the difficult past 6 months, Mom faced every challenge with incredible strength, determination, and perseverance. When told her time would be short, she simply said she wanted the summer — and she made it through with conviction and strength. She loved sitting outside, enjoying her macchiato coffees, the sunshine, and the beautiful view. She spent countless hours each day on video calls with Leona, sharing laughter, stories, and long conversations about books, life, and everything in between.

She was a miracle on two feet, with Doctors, Nurses and PSW’s in awe of her presence and condition under circumstance, came to know her and she loved the familiar faces. She had defied all odds.

She lived a life few could imagine, full of rich experiences and unforgettable moments. Whether it was playing cards on a beach in Hawaii with Donald Sutherland in her late teens and early twenties, working “down in the hole” for NORAD, or sitting in a Montreal apartment listening to Elton John practise or a piano bar with Stevie Wonder — Mom’s stories never ran out, and never got old. Her love for music, , spaghetti, hummingbirds, plants (lemon tree), golf, football, solitaire and murder mystery books. She could solve any line in a crossword in seconds.

Condolences have poured in from far and wide — from those who knew her, crossed her path, or simply knew of her. So many have shared memories of how she made them laugh, made them feel seen, or left a lasting mark on their lives. For decades, countless friends fondly called her “Mom.”

Though she was told her time was short back in May, she held on with grace and courage — through all our birthdays, and her own, which she shared the same birthdate with Leona, celebrating together this year, in person, for the first time in many years. She enjoyed her second-favorite holiday with us, Thanksgiving, and was determined to make it to Christmas.

This past year, she became not only a full member of our home through her journey, but also solidified being my best friend — whom I always called “my favourite person.” Some of her last words were, “Love you more.” The house feels emptier now, but I still hear her laughter, her voice, her energy everywhere.

We miss her more than words or tears can ever express. We take comfort in knowing she is reunited with Poppy, Nanny, Bruce, Jack, Gloria, and our stepfather Bob, along with many others who awaited her with open arms.

As we navigate this grief, we invite all who knew her to share not just condolences but a story or memory below — something that captures her spirit, her humour, or her kindness.

Mom was an animal lover and found peace surrounded by nature — the creek, the trees, the wildlife. In her honour, please consider planting a tree. Even a forest could never represent all the love that surrounds her, but it would reflect her connection to life, growth, and beauty.

We love you, Mom. More than words could ever say. Your strength, fight and love will always be with us.

Until we meet again — to see your smile, hear your laugh, and catch up once more.

Love Stephanie & Leona.