Dorothy Dot Brazier at age 95 with her grandson Kerry Brazier on his Harley Davidson. PHOTO: SUPPLIED
Centenarian Dorothy “Dot” Frances Brazier, born Earley, led a fulfilling life during her 103 years. She was born in Dunedin on September 8, 1921, and left school at 13 to work for the confectionery company McIntosh Caley Phoenix, before transitioning to Cadbury Fry Hudson. There, she packed hand-wrapped chocolates and led the Cadbury marching team, which is where she caught the attention of her future husband, Bill Brazier; the two married in 1942. Mrs. Brazier later joined Wolfenden and Russell clothing store, and during World War II, she made soldier uniforms at Sargoods. Post-war, the couple settled in Nightcaps, where Bill worked as a miner, and they operated a mine in Coaldale, in addition to running a milk delivery service. In 1954, they established Brazier Motors, with Mrs. Brazier taking charge of the school bus route. She not only transported three generations of children but also ferried miners to their jobs and organized bus charters before retiring in 1979 to Alexandra. In 1986, Mr. Brazier passed away, prompting Mrs. Brazier to move to Dunedin. She had a passion for golf and was actively involved in Lions. The couple had three children: Gaynor, Lance, and Royce. After suffering a heart attack in 2015, Mrs. Brazier relocated to Auckland to be nearer to Gaynor. She passed away on October 23, and is survived by her children, 14 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. — ODT