Obituary of Evelyn Marguerite Griffiths

Evelyn Marguerite (nee O'Neil) Griffiths November 22, 1919 - November 25, 2013 Surrounded by her family Evelyn passed away peacefully at St. Catharines General Hospital on Monday, November 25, 2013, days after her 94th birthday. Evelyn was predeceased by her dearly beloved husband of 64 years Frederick Harold in 2008, her grandson Joshua and son-in-law George Nicholson. She was the proud mother of Wynne Nicholson of St. Catharines; Robert (Dawn) of Charlottetown; Owen (Linda) of Ottawa; and Rodger (Barb) of Sarnia. Much loved grandmother of Scott, Ty (Laura), Torrey, Braden (Charlotte), James (Melodie), Adam (Carlos), Brianne (Jeff), and Garth (Marie-Hélène). She took great joy in her two great-granddaughters: Eva, daughter of Braden and Charlotte; and Grace, daughter of Brianne and Jeff. Evelyn, daughter of Elizabeth (MacLennan) and Robert O'Neil, grew up in Sarnia and graduated from SCITS. She furthered her education at Hamilton General Hospital and at a technical college in London where she trained as a lab technician. As a devoted mother she was always involved in the activities of her children as well as extensive volunteering in her church and community. Three of Evelyn's passions were genealogy, art and gardening. Her genealogical research kept her in touch with distant relatives and active in Clan MacLennan. She authored a book on the descendants of the O'Neil family which came to Canada in 1820. Once her children were in their teens, she started painting. Her paintings in oils, acrylics and watercolour were exhibited at many shows. When the children were young Evelyn and Harold took them on many trips across Canada and the U.S, usually camping. In their later years they continued to travel extensively. Evelyn's last trip was a European cruise with a brief stay in France at age 92. A Memorial Service was held in St. Thomas' Anglican Church, 99 Ontario St., St. Catharines, on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 1:00 p.m., with inurnment occurring later in Lakeview Cemetery, Sarnia. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Care of St. Catharines or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted with the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL.