Obituary of Dorothy May Ramsland

Dorothy May Ramsland (nee Sullivan)

1922 – 2025

The family of Dorothy Ramsland are sad to share her passing on October 8, 2025, in Harbour View Haven, Lunenburg, at the age of 103. Born in Halifax, she was the fifth child of seven and was the last remaining member of her family. She was predeceased by her husband, John Smith Ramsland, in 2000.

At the tender age of four, she successfully convinced her parents, Catherine and Francis Sullivan, to allow her to start school early. She remained an enthusiastic life-long learner. As a young teenager, Dorothy developed a passion for walking long distances and she maintained this activity well into her nineties.

After completion of high school, she accepted a position at the Norwegian Consulate in Halifax. While there, Norwegian sea captains encouraged her to take a marine radio operator course which she enthusiastically pursued. Dorothy was one of only six female graduates. She was quickly posted to the Norwegian ship Maud during the Battle of the Atlantic. She was the only woman on board and experienced many ports of call that included Scotland, London, New York and Cuba. Cuba was a particularly special experience as she met her future husband, a Norwegian gunner named John Smith Ramsland who proposed with a box of chocolates.

After WWII concluded, she and her new husband took up residency in Grimstad, Norway, where John had been born and raised. They started a family there and within a few years moved to Grandby, Quebec, and added a second child finally, settled in Halifax, where they would add two more children to their family.

Influenced by her war experience, Dorothy developed a strong courage of conviction for peace in the world. She participated in many marches and was an active member of the Voice of Women. She had many passions as she was an avid gardener, possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of classical music including operas, and enjoyed solo travel outside of Canada. Dorothy also loved art and pursued pottery courses at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.

Dorothy enjoyed a full, happy and long life. Her four children, Solveig (Christopher), Kristin (Tim), Karen (Jon) and John (Iris); as well as her two grandchildren, Sean and Katie and great-grandchild Freyja, are blessed with countless memories of our remarkable mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

At the request of family, no public flowers. Memorial donations may be made to SHAID, CNIB or Nova Scotia SPCA. A Public Visitation/Reception in Celebration will be held Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, at C.F. Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, NS, with public visitation in the chapel, and food and refreshments in the reception space. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where online condolences and donations may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.

The Ramsland family wish to thank the staff at Harbour View Haven, who provided exceptional care and kindness to Mum while she was a resident.