Winnifred A. READ

GIBSON, Winnifred A. (READ) - Born December 26, 1911, died November 19, 2007 peacefully after a short illness at Albright Manor in Beamsville, ON., supported by her loving family and her faith in the Lord. Predeceased by her husband Benjamin (May 1974). Survived by her daughter Alice Frayne and her husband Ralph ; grandchildren Sharon (Bill French) of Rockwood, Linda Frayne Kemp of Fonthill, Sandra Frayne (Carl Bodimeade) of Fonthill and Richard Frayne (Sandra Daniels) of Beamsville; great-grandchildren Matthew and Caley French, Jamie and Eric Kemp, Neil and Ian Bodimeade and Benjamin Frayne; great-great-grandchild Hudson Kemp; brother-in-law Ronald Gibson; several nieces and nephews, Barry Kemp and many friends. Winnifred was born in Loughborough, England and came to Canada, as a babe-in-arms, on the first ship to sail after the sinking of the Titanic. She was always proud of her much loved parents Alice and Arthur Read, sisters Constance and May and brothers Eric and Cyril. Her father was a fine stonemason and bricklayer who built many of the homes in the east end of St. Catharines where they settled. She had many happy memories of musical evenings where each family member played a musical instrument and sang. She became a fine musician playing the mandolin, piano and organ. As a teenager she suffered a bicycle accident, which interrupted her education at the St. Catharines Collegiate. She opened her own Beauty Parlour and was a hairdresser for many years. She joined her mother in the costume rental business for Halloween and Christmas. The Rebekah Lodge played a large part in the life of Winnie, her mother and sister May. She was a member for 70 years and became Noble Grand of Empress Rebekah Lodge 87 and District Deputy President. Winnie and Ben moved to Niagara Parkway in Queenston where they enjoyed rural life and made many good friends. She became a talented landscape painter in oils. A cottage on Medora Lake in Muskoka was purchased and greatly enjoyed with her family. Following her husband's death she became a Real Estate Agent with Reg Hopkins and A.E. LePage. At the age of 80 years she completed her dream and earned her High School Graduation Diploma from the St. Catharines Collegiate. When she moved back to St. Catharines she became active in several organizations for Seniors at Russell Avenue, Dunlop Drive and Grantham United Church. The Orchards Retirement Residence in Vineland was her next home. Sadly, her eyesight deteriorated and she made the decision to move to Albright Manor in Beamsville. Although she lived at Albright for just less than a year she was very happy there. She filled her days with all the activities, trips, the entertainment and listening to her talking books from the CNIB. Her keen mind and wonderful memory served her well. She remained an enthusiastic historian for her family and early St. Catharines. She was keenly interested in civic affairs and current events. Her family was her greatest pleasure and she reveled in their successes. She was a wonderful lady who was an inspiration and fine example of living life well and to the full. Many thanks to all of the wonderful staff at Albright Manor for their compassionate nursing care and kindness to the family. The family will receive friends at the HULSE & ENGLISH FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 75 Church Street (905-684-6346) on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Service in the Chapel on Thursday, November 22, 2007 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, if desired, memorial donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the Albright Foundation would be appreciated. 10909411