It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Dolores Frances Sexton (née Lerette), peacefully on October 24th, 2026. Dolores was the cherished mother of Roseanne (Mark), Dan (Diane), Patricia (Terry), Mary (Richard) and Peggy (Christopher). She was the much loved “Grandma Dodie” to Amie, Tara, Katy (Jeff), Shannon (Ryan), Taylor (Melissa), Marlie (Mark), Ben (Nicole), Alexander (Jelena) and Jack (Alicia), and Great-Grandma to Madison, Paige, Kadance, Rainn, Iris, Natalie, Liam, Gemma, Austin, Owen, Ethan, Theo, Jack and Willow.
Dolores is predeceased by her beloved husband Thomas Daniel Sexton and her infant granddaughter, Jaclanne Brianne.
Born and raised in New Toronto, Dolores was the seventh of nine children born to John Lucas and Rose Lerette. Although she lived through both the Depression and the Second World War, her stories always focused on the love and happy memories she shared with her parents and siblings. While visiting her Aunt Irene in Phelpston, Ontario one summer, she met her future husband, Dan. After their marriage in 1954 they relocated to Barrie, Ontario, where they settled and built a wonderful life and loving family together. Dolores also built a rewarding career, working in the office of Continental Can in Toronto prior to her marriage and in the Payroll Department at Base Borden, where she received special recognition from Senior staff for her impeccable work. Once her children were of school age, Dolores worked as a supervisor at Towers Department Store. All were positions she thoroughly enjoyed, equally for the work itself and for the friendships she made along the way.
Faith, family and friendships were the cornerstones of Dolores’ life. Mornings began with the daily Mass on Vision TV, and evenings concluded by praying the rosary. She lived her faith through her commitment to volunteerism, serving residents at Leisureworld Caregiving Centre, as a classroom helper, volunteering at the Royal Victoria Hospital gift shop for over twenty-seven years, and participating in numerous ministries at St. Mary’s Church, as well as by making many charitable donations to causes she held dear.
Family was one of the greatest joys of Dolores’ life. Summers spent at the family cottage at Woodland Beach and family trips to Florida and Maine are some of our most cherished memories. Thanksgiving, Easter and especially Christmas celebrations brought her so much happiness – she was so excited watching everyone else opening their gifts, she often needed reminders to open hers!
Dolores and Dan enjoyed travelling to Ireland, England, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and across Canada by train, and in retirement, wintering in Florida.
Even in her twilight years, Dolores found joy in the little things and everyday blessings: reading, card games with neighbours, walks around Kempenfelt Bay, yearly theatre trips to Stratford, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Penetanguishene, visits to relatives’ cottages and homes, phone calls and visits from friends and family…and cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs! It was always fun to hear her post-game commentary.
Although she will be deeply and forever missed, the stories she shared, the lessons she taught and the love she gave will continue through those of us fortunate enough to call her Mom, Grandma, sister, aunt and friend. One hundred years of memories, a lifetime of love, and a legacy that will live on forever.
Our family would like to express our deepest gratitude to those who surrounded Dolores with compassionate care and kindness, especially Dr. McConvey, Dr. Kamara, Dr. Emon, Dr. Klassen, the wonderful support workers at ILS and the doctors and nurses at RVH. You truly made a difference.
Visitation will take place at the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie on Thursday, October 29th, 2026 from 6-8 pm. Funeral Mass will take place at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 65 Amelia St., Barrie on Friday, October 30th, 2026 at 10 am. Guests are invited to flow into the Church Hall following the Mass for a reception. Interment will take place at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, 208 Sunnidale Rd., Barrie following the reception at approximately 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Barrie Food Bank or the Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation would be greatly appreciated, or consider performing an act of kindness in Dolores’ memory.
A Livestream of the service will be made available on the St. Mary’s Church Facebook page. Online condolences and memories may be shared via www.steckleygooderham.com