Obituary of Dollie Eileen Ferguson

Ferguson, Dollie Eileen It is with great sadness, we the family of Dollie Eileen Ferguson (Toole) announce her passing on September 19, 2025. Dollie passed away peacefully at home at the age of 81. Born in Brookside, N.S., she was the youngest child of the late Nita (Carter) and Percy Toole. She is survived by her brother Earle (Fran), her sisters-in-law Charlotte Toole and Gladys Toole, her brother-in-law Gaylord Hazelwood, friend Bob Ferguson and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and many more family and friends who loved her dearly. She was predeceased by ten siblings; her sisters, Janie (in infancy), Sadie (Peirce), Miriam (Hazelwood) and brothers, Merle, Willard, Hubert, Ross, Albert, Gordon and Alton. Dollie spent the majority of her life living in Gads Hill & Guelph, Ontario. She moved back home to Nova Scotia in the early ‘80s to care for her mother, in the house up on Vimy Rd. She later moved to Guelph, where she lived for almost 25 years, where we all have many many memories of visiting her there, and so many laughs. She moved back home to Brookside in 2012 to be close to family and then moved to Orillia in 2024 to live with her niece, Susan and family. Anyone who knew her knew she was a force; she loved life — and she lived life. Everyone in her life is so lucky to have known her, been cared for by her, spent Christmases, summers, family vacations, and countless special moments with her — and to have been loved by her. She will be remembered for her immense kindness. Dollie will also be remembered for her sense of humour, her independent spirit, her determination, and her love of adventure and travel. She travelled the world with her family and friends to Australia, Alaska, Sri Lanka, Hawaii, Disney World, Texas and to see the Oprah show in Chicago and more. She had an incredible sense of style, with an iconic collection of hats and jewelry, and a love for being herself. Dollie loved nature and adored cardinals. As soon as the warm weather arrived, she could be found sitting outside in the rocking chair. She grew summer flowers and tomatoes every year; she had an affinity for fresh Ontario peaches, and spoke of them even when she’d moved back to Brookside. She loved to read. She loved cooking shows, and she was an amazing cook — but she didn’t love to cook. In fact, if she said “I’m cooking tonight,” it meant you were going out. Like many of the Tooles, she adored going for a drive in her little blue Mercedes (Babe), with no destination in mind, particularly if it was a country road she’d never travelled. She especially loved being the passenger so she could “gawk,” as she would say. The family would like to extend an extra special thank you to Susan, who provided nursing care to her in her final hours, allowing Dollie to pass at home peacefully, as Dollie wanted. Arrangements have been entrusted to Simcoe Funeral Home, Orillia. No visitation or service by Dollie’s request. In lieu of flowers or donations, please do something kind today in memory of her generosity — and perhaps go for a Sunday drive down a country road. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.simcoefuneralhome.ca