GRIFFITHS, Gabrielle
November 25, 1918 – July 19, 2014
We sadly announce the passing of Gabrielle, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She was born in Montreal. She married the love of her life, George after waiting 6 years for his return from World War II. As a young adult she sold War Bonds in the Montreal Forum allowing her to watch the Montreal Canadien’s games. She worked as a Comptometer Operator, first mechanical calculator, for the Canadian National Railway. She also worked for Eaton’s in Montreal. She lived in several different cities across Canada, moving with her husband and children wherever “The Canadian Armed Forces” sent them. She participated in her community and developed friendships with the people and families around her who became an extended family to her. Raising her own four children and having the good fortune to participate in her grandchildren’s lives was one of her greatest pleasures. She and her husband retired to Summerland which became a favourite vacation spot for her children and grandchildren.
She loved playing Bridge, earned masterpoints in tournament play and taught classes. She volunteered as a Brownie Leader, with the Catholic Women’s League, the Summerland Hospital Auxiliary and Meals on Wheels. She moved to the Belvedere Residence in Coquitlam in 2008 to be closer to her two daughters. Even at age 90 she participated in all of the Belvedere events. She had a great zest for life, living every day to the fullest. She will be dearly missed. Our memories of her will live on. There will be a Service at Holy Child Catholic Church in Summerland, BC on September 20th, 2014 at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gabrielle’s name can be made to St. Michael’s Hospice, www.stmichaels.bc.ca , Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation or Summerland Hospital.