COLUMBUS, N.C. – Dorothy Oakes McGill, 93, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011, at her home. Born July 14, 1918, in Wales, she emigrated with her mother, Anne and four siblings to join her father, John in Philadelphia in 1926.
After graduating from high school in Upper Darby, Pa., she graduated from secretarial school in Philadelphia, then worked as a secretary to “Jack” Kelley, Grace Kelley’s father. Growing up during the Great Depression and as a young bride during World War II shaped her life. Living in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and South Carolina, she finally settled in Columbus, N.C., and enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and doing crossword puzzles.
She was predeceased by her twin brother, Alec; a brother, Bert; and two sisters, Amy and Lucy. She is survived by her two sons, James McGill and his wife, Frances, of Lynchburg, Va., and Dr. John McGill and his wife, Margaret, of Bangor; as well as five grandchildren, Laurie McGill of Portland, Ore., Timothy McGill of Asheville, N.C., Catherine McGill and her husband, Dan Harder, of Guilford, Conn., Abigail Bragg of Orlando, Fla., and Christine Mihan and her husband, Eric, of Bangor; and one great-grandchild, Nella Mihan.
Memorial services will be held 1 p.m. Dec. 28 at Tryon Presbyterian Chapel, Tryon, N.C.