Dorothy Underhill

Underhill, Dorothy Jean of Aylmer passed away peacefully at the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin on Monday, August 24, 2026. She was 89 years old. Beloved wife of almost 67 years to Wayne Underhill. Dear mom of Tanya Tompkins(Fred) and her grandchildren Colton and Tatiana. Sister of Elva Hansen and sister-in -law of Norma Chambers and Patricia Smith. Also survived by a number of nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her daughter Paula, son Kim, brothers Albert and Jim, sisters-in-law Maxine, Glenita, Beverly and brothers-in-law Stuart, Arlo, Ron, Keith and Gunner. Born in Dunboyne on March 1, 1937, daughter of the late George and Erie(Precoor) Chambers. Dorothy was a lifelong learner and devoted caregiver, she graduated from the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital School of Nursing in 1957. She continued her nursing education at Western University and taught clinical nursing at St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener before returning to the Aylmer area in 1967.Throughout her career, she worked in emergency and surgical nursing, taught at Fanshawe College, worked with children as a Certified Parent Infant Therapist at CPRI in London, served with the VON and as Director of Care at the Aylmer Nursing Home, and volunteered as a Pastoral Nurse at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital. She and her husband Wayne also helped establish a rest home in Port Bruce, which later became Homes for Special Care.

Her passion for learning led her to earn a BA in Psychology from the University of Waterloo, as well as qualifications in echocardiography, audiology, communicative disorders, art therapy, acupuncture, pastoral nursing and infection control. She also proudly earned her black belt in Shotokan Karate.

Family was at the heart of her life. She cherished her grandchildren, Colton and Tatiana, and was always their enthusiastic supporter at sporting events and in life. She wrote two genealogy books so they could know and treasure their family history. She loved gardening, helping her family whenever needed, continuing to learn, and playing the harp. Her greatest joy was her family, and especially her grandchildren, who were the absolute light of her life. A private family interment in the Dunboyne Cemetery will be held. Donations to the Barrie Family Hospice of Elgin would be appreciated. Share memories or condolences at kebbelfuneralhome.com 

Many thanks to the Barrie Family Hospice for all their amazing care and support for Dorothy and her family.