It is with sadness that the family of the late Dorcas Emily Paddock (nee Rideout) of Springdale, NL, age 97, announces her passing, on Monday, August 31, 2020 from the Valley Vista Senior Citizens Complex, Springdale.

Dorcas was born in Beaumont on October 2, 1922 to Jasper and Clara Rideout. Dorcas married Joseph Paddock of Beaumont on March 12, 1942. In 1953 they moved to Springdale with the family and lived there until her passing on August 31, 2020.

Her spirit of devotion as a wife, mother and grandmother was exceptional.

She had the spark of divinity within. Her life's work of birthing and raising a family of 13 children is a testament to her Love made visible.

Her appreciation for beauty, a sense of purpose and inner-directedness guided this path.

She loved to sing and attended church regularly. Her deep gratitude for life gave her the ability and awareness to see the unfolding of God in everything and everyone.

With a great sense of humour, she brightened the days of everyone around her.

A Magnificent and Loving Spirit whose memory lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.

She is predeceased by her husband Joseph Paddock; parents Jasper and Clara Rideout; sons Don Paddock, Ernest Paddock; sisters Ida Burton, Gwen Short; brothers Lawrence Rideout, Ford Rideout, Don Rideout, Robert Rideout, George Rideout.

Dorcas leaves to remember the wonderful life that she lived, daughters Melvina Strong, Shirley Butt, Beatrice (Terry) Roberts, Viona (Victor) Foster, Pauline Paddock, Stella (Walter) Strong; sons Ronald Paddock, Max (Ruby) Paddock, Howard Paddock, Eric (Susan) Paddock, Ross (Kathryn) Paddock; 31 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; sister Elizabeth Blanche Morris, as well as other extended family members and friends.

"Gone But Not Forgotten – Forever In Our Hearts!"

The Celebration of Life Service was held from the Grace United Church, Springdale, on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 3:30 pm with Rev. Rachel Robinson officiating. Interment was at the United Church Cemetery, Springdale. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Elaine M. Rideout and Harry Oxford of Green Bay Funeral Home, Springdale.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic guidelines, the viewing and Celebration of Life Service for the late Dorcas Emily Paddock (nee Rideout) will be for immediate family only.

Donations in Dorcas memory can be given to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of NL by clicking the link: https://www.heartandstroke.ca/