Dot Connolly worked with me on lots of history events and projects in Brighton from late in 2012 into 2016. When she came to Brighton she was a retired social worker anxious to get involved and use her skills and energy to support heritage and history activities. I first met Dot at a meeting of the Brighton Heritage Advisory Committee where I pitched the idea for the History Open House. The committee approved the idea and Dot volunteered, very enthusiastically, to act as liaison with the small group of historians who were putting on the event. Well, we soon saw that Dot was running the thing. Her amazing organizational skills, combined with effective communications, brought the event together and we all worked in collaboration to make this new event a great success. Folks liked it so much, we had to make it an annual event. Very much thanks to Dot.
Unfortunately, Dot was fighting a serious health situation which eventually took its toll. She moved to Brockville in 2016 for better access to doctors and family. She was up and down for a couple of years but in the summer of 2018 she was very good for a few months. We had a very nice visit in early August when I brought her one of the new books. But then, in September, Dot succumbed to her illness. Many folks around Brighton miss her a lot. Me too.
Unfortunately, Dot was fighting a serious health situation which eventually took its toll. She moved to Brockville in 2016 for better access to doctors and family. She was up and down for a couple of years but in the summer of 2018 she was very good for a few months. We had a very nice visit in early August when I brought her one of the new books. But then, in September, Dot succumbed to her illness. Many folks around Brighton miss her a lot. Me too.
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In 2014 Dot hoodwinked me into buying a new tie and accompanying her to the Brighton Civic Awards Banquet where, surprise, surprise, I was given an award for my genealogy work. But then, in 2016, we managed to persuade Dot to accept her own award (she hated speaking in front of a group) for all she had done for the community. And this was a good one - Citizen of the Year for 2016. Much deserved!
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The Dedication in 38 Hours To Montreal was to Dot. She helped me through the writing and publication of my first book, sharing her experience and common sense as well as love of history. Her encouragement and confidence made it easy for me to seriously consider another book, so it was no contest when writing the dedication. Dot is there behind every page of this book.
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