Ethel Theodora Clare (Dora) Hoad was born January 4, 1912 in Coaldale, Alberta to Edward and Clara (Wilkinson) Hoad. Edward was a farmer and a butcher in the Coaldale area. Dora came to work as a farmhand at Oliver and Edna Watmoughs farm about 1938 with her own 1927 cockshutt tractor in tow. She was a good mechanic and stayed until the first call for women in WW II, enlisted as quickly as she could with the Canadian Auxiliary Territorial Service (CATS). This followed her joining in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC).

While working on the farm, she mentored Fred Watmough. She was a huge influence on him growing up on the farm and remained in close contact until her death.

Dora was very active with the Hill Toppers Gymkhana Horse Club for many years. She maintained close contact with her friends in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps and attended reunions.