Dorothy Sophie Olszewski-Williams

On Thursday 27 March 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario, surrounded by loved ones, Dorothy passed away far too soon at the age of 69 from Esophageal cancer.

She was predeceased by her loving parents Tadeusz (Ted) and Hanna, and brother Michael.

Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her son Matthew (Melissa), daughter Shelly (Mike), grandchildren Kaleb, Ethan and Maeve, her sister Yvonne (Fraser), and cousins Ewa, Hania (Rick), and Barbie (Jack), niece Krystyna (Dexter) her dear friend Chris, as well as many more beloved family members and friends.

Dorothy was the middle of three siblings and the first of her family born in Canada after her grandparents and parents immigrated from Poland in the wake of WWII. She was born in Ottawa, Ontario on Wigilia 1955. Dorothy was a proud Canadian and honored her Polish heritage.

Dorothy grew up living in Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax, and Winnipeg while spending summers at the family lodge and later a cottage on Devil’s Lake, Ontario with her siblings and cousins. She completed her studies at Algonquin College in Business Administration before moving to BC where she had and raised her children. Returning to Ottawa in 2002, she continued to work with Service Canada until retiring in 2016.

Having served in the Canadian Armed Forces Dorothy epitomized the virtue of service before self; she prioritized the needs of others and gave so much of herself as a mother, daughter, sister and friend. This continued in her careers in the Navy, childcare, and with Service Canada, and post-retirement as the President of Strata Council.

It was Dorothy’s wish that no Celebration of Life be held but a small service will be held for immediate family at Devil’s Lake. In her final hours, when asked by her daughter, how best to connect with Dorothy after her passing Dorothy replied “through music; always music…I’ll be there listening with you. Music brings everyone together”, so for all those who miss her and want to connect with her let music be your medium.

Dorothy left a lasting impression on others; she will forever be remembered for her generous heart, giving and selfless nature, and endless love for others. True to Dorothy’s spirit, in lieu of flowers, Dorothy requested that any donations in her memory be made to a charity of your choice, with considerations for the Canadian Red Cross, for their work in reuniting families torn apart by war and disaster, the Canadian Nurses Foundation , or the Professional Paramedic Association of Ottawa , in honor of all the kind and professional support health care professionals provided through her fight with cancer.