RIEHL, Winifred

RIEHL, Winifred - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our wonderful mother and Nan, Winifred Riehl (Jeffery) on Tuesday, September 28, 2010. Mom slipped away peacefully at the Elizabeth Centre in the arms of her loving family from complications of pneumonia. Mom is predeceased by her parents - Alice (Wakeford) and Edward John, as well as her adoring husband of 64 years, James Earl, who passed away in 2009. She is now joyfully reunited with her precious daughter, Elaine (1946-1949) and granddaughter Paula (1980-2004). She is survived by her daughter Pamela (Jim McVey) of Hanmer and their 3 children - Andrea (daughter Kelsea) of Ottawa, Kristina McDougall (sons Quinn and Calvin, dad Ryan) of Cambridge and James (Erica, son Eric and stepdaughter Kiara of Fort Myers, Florida; son Tyler and stepson Raymond (mother Tami) of Capreol.) Her daughter Patricia of Dowling and her 2 children - Angela (Guy Roberge, son Gabriel) of Bradford and Adam (fiancée Janice) of Burlington. Her son Waynne and his daughters - Lisa (John Purves), Paula (predeceased) and Carla, all of Whitehorse, Yukon. Mom grew up in the quaint village of Rusthall, just outside Tunbridge Wells, Kent, which was known as the ""garden of England"". . . and Bomb Alley during WWII. She spent many days as a young teenager huddled in bomb shelters. It was during the war that she met her Jimmy, a young Prairie soldier and it was love at first sight for both. They married in June ""45 and in April 1946 she arrived in Sudbury, a shy nineteen-year-old war bride - no family, no friends - just her new husband. It was a culture shock - no trees, no lawns, no flowers - just sulphur clouds and black rocks. . .a far cry from picturesque Rusthall. Mom and Dad settled into a small rental on Maley Drive where their first daughter Elaine was born. Mom regularly pushed the baby""s pram all the way downtown to shop and back again. Those English girls were a sturdy bunch. Soon they bought their first (and only) home, a log farmhouse in Garson, for the princely sum of $800. They raised two more daughters and a son. Tragically, their darling Elaine died in 1949 at the age of 3, a loss from which Winnie never truly recovered. Mom never worked outside the home but kept busy raising her children as well as chickens and pigs, tending her large flower garden and growing veggies and berries, keeping their freezer and pantry filled with jam, jellies and pickles. She became an excellent baker and good cook. Cotton sugar bags were skillfully fashioned into cozy pjs, tea towels and pillowcases, lovingly embellished with Mom""s colourfully artistic embroidery. But her true claim to fame was her knitting and she was a master, having learned at the age of 5. Sweaters, afghans, hats, socks and mittens appeared like magic from her flying needles and are still being proudly worn and passed down to the next generation. Several granddaughters have become accomplished knitters, having learned from the best. Mom also enjoyed bowling, reading, needlework, camping in Huntsville and on Lake Wahnapitae, and selling her handiwork at craft sales. She had a talent for spotting four leaf clovers from 20 yards away. She loved yard sales with a passion. However, her greatest love was her family. She was an exceptional mother - caring, selfless and generous with her time and affection. The cookie jar was never empty! When the grandchildren and great- grandchildren appeared, she was in her glory and championed their every endeavour. ""Please, please can we sleep at Nanny""s?"" was a constant refrain. Though shy, her warm smile and gentle good nature made her many friends and she was a much-loved resident at Red Oak Villa and the Elizabeth Centre. Mom never had an unkind word for anyone and found the good in all. The world is a better place for her having been here. The family would like to recognize the kindness of Jim McVey, more son than son-in-law, who has been a rock looking after the minutia of Mom""s life with great love. A special thank you to Tami McVey for her delicious gifts of food and encouragement. We send a heart-felt thank you to anyone who made her last years happier and more comfortable. We love you for it. Special thanks to Mom""s dear friends and fellow bird-lovers, Edith Schillemore and Verna Hollard. At Winnie""s request, there will be direct cremation with no public service. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Canadian Lung Association or the Kidney Foundation. “We love you more, Mom.“