Obituary of Vera Griffin

Griffin: Vera Irene With sadness in our hearts, but with wonderful and lasting memories, the family of Vera Irene Griffin (Nee MacMillan), announce her passing peacefully, at her home at Griffin's Lakeside Cottages on Gananoque Lake. Vera celebrated her 95th birthday on April 6, 2011. Beloved wife of the late William Ernest Griffin "Ernie", (June 7, 2003). Predeceased by her sister Eva Elizabeth (August 3, 1998) and brother in law, Lewis (January 25, 2000) who operated the fishing lodge together for more than 70 years. Vera's parents William and Maggie MacMillan along with other sisters, Hazel (Davison), Elsie (Abrams), Elva (Gardner), and brother Charles (Dorothy Running) have all predeceased her. Her youngest sister Marion and husband Gerry Roney reside in Kingston. Vera is survived by many nieces and nephews. Her nephew Bob (Cathy Sawyer), only son of Eva and Lewis, has been Vera's respective caregiver over the last seven years, and has continued to operate the family business for now into its 83rd year. Vera and Eva spent wonderful hours with Cathy and Bob's girls, Raechel Elizabeth and Caitlin Taylor, who grew up at the lake. Vera and Ernie had no children of their own, yet parented many life lessons and lots of love and generosity. Bob of course was their adopted and devoted son. Vera's passing concludes the loss of Bob's family which in 1966 began with his grandmother Bertha's passing and then in 1969 by his grandfather Will, which spreads over 45 years. Vera devoted her life to working with Ernie and Lew and Eva to make the business a success and so the tradition continues with Bob's family and dedicated helper for now over 25 years, Andrew White, son of Freda Warren and the late Wilbert White (April 17, 2008) Andy has been a devoted friend and so very cherished by aunt Vera over this last couple of difficult years. The caregivers from Bayshore and Red Cross have provided excellent care. The family will receive friends at the Tompkins Funeral Home 63 Garden Street Gananoque on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm with an Eastern Star service at 6:45 on Friday evening. Funeral will be held from Grace United Church at 3:00 pm on Saturday May 7, 2011 and from there burial will take place at the Olivet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Vera's memory to Grace United Church, the Thousand Island Junior Football League through G.S.S., the Masonic Bursary Fund for G.S.S., or the Rideau St. Lawrence Chapter #325 of the Eastern Star. A social gathering will be held at the Gananoque Royal Canadian Legion on King Street following the interment.