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Posted Feb 18, 2026 | 2:17 PM
EDMONDSON, Dorothy Estelle (née Ray)
Peacefully at Moira Place Long‑Term Care Home in Tweed, Ontario, on February 4, 2026, in her 97th year. Daughter of the late Edgar and Maude Ray of Belleville. Beloved wife for 70 years of the late Rev. Frederick Edmondson. Dear mother of John Edmondson and his late wife Cindy of Peterborough. Predeceased by Marie (surviving spouse Fred) Northey of Thomasburg, Shirley (surviving spouse Lennard) Donker of Belleville, and Margaret and Bob Brown of Peterborough. Lovingly remembered by her 10 grandchildren and 11 great‑grandchildren.
Predeceased also by her sisters Evelyn (Ross) Marshall, Doreen (Lloyd) Pearson, and Lorna (Bill) Matthews.
A Memorial Service will be held at Sidney Westminster United Church (1199 Wallbridge‑Loyalist Rd., Belleville) on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with visitation from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. If desired, memorial donations to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church of Canada would be appreciated. Cremation arrangements entrusted to Steele Funeral Home, Belleville (613‑968‑2273).
Dorothy was a nurturer in every sense of the word. Whether supporting her large family, tending her flower gardens, contributing to lifelong church life, or preserving the genealogy and history of Limerick Township, she was always planting seeds that grew and flourished. Both she and Fred came from simple Methodist roots and lived their lives in service to their community. Their early involvement in the Young People’s Union helped shape them into leaders within the church. One summer, they were part of a six‑person team that led services throughout the area.
When Fred received the call to ministry, Dorothy embraced the “unpaid position” of minister’s wife with grace and dedication. Together, they formed lasting friendships in every congregation they served. In retirement at Spring Lake, they helped organize a historical book about Limerick Township and another about the Coe Hill Church—an area deeply connected to the Wellman side of Dorothy’s family.
We mourn her loss, but we celebrate the many plantings in her life that continue to grow all around us.