Legacy

About Dorothy Kitchen

Dorothy was born in Bradford, England on November 9th, 1932. She is survived by her devoted husband Lawrence Kitchen, son Peter Alexander Kitchen and his wife Lisa Kitchen (MacKinnon), daughter Patricia Ann Maria Phonchareon (Kitchen) and her husband Dang Phonchareon. She was very proud of her five grandchildren, who she loved very much: Jason Phonchareon, Fiona Kitchen, Joshua Phonchareon, Finnian Kitchen and Grady Kitchen. In Dorothy’s early years she was an athlete and a keen cyclist. She met Lawrence in the Bradford Racing Cycling Club. Shortly after the birth of their first child, Penny, they immigrated to Canada in 1964. Their daughter, Penny, was born with Cerebral Palsy which changed her life dramatically to a life of devotion and service to her family and community. After having two more children and a brief return to England they moved to Nova Scotia. Dorothy dedicated many years advocating for Disability Rights. Below are some of the organizations that she either founded, was a member, or was on the board of directors: • RCDNS - Recreation Council for the Disabled in Nova Scotia (1970's-80's) • Independent Living Center Nova Scotia (1992) • NS LEO – League for Equal Opportunity • Provincial Disability Strategy • Nova Scotia Disabled Persons Commission • Canadian Council of the Disabled • Cerebral Palsy Association • Life Improvement for Disabled Association which included LIDA’s Ark – Accessible Bus Service in Truro • CHAD – Central Highlands Association of the Disabled in New Glasgow including an Accessible Bus Service. Dorothy was awarded the Elizabeth Fry Society “Rebel with A Cause” in 2006. In 2008 she received the “National Award from NS League for Equal Opportunities”; in recognition for her valued contribution to the Disability Rights Movement in Canada. She received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 which was created to celebrate Her Majesty's accession to the Throne 60 years ago. The commemorative medal is a tangible and lasting way to pay tribute to Canadians whose achievements have benefited other citizens, their community, their organization and their country. Dorothy’s work made a demonstrable difference towards the realization for full equality and inclusion of people with disabilities who themselves have so much to contribute to the well being and inclusiveness of all Nova Scotia's communities. Dorothy served on church councils and was involved in many other community programs such as the Refugee resettlement program at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, and over the years, she opened up her home to many Foreign Exchange Students. *********************************************************************************************************************************************** As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in memory of Dorothy Kitchen. https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/24104