Bertha May LAWSON

Mrs. Vila "Bertha" Bertha May Richter (née Lawson) October 20, 1933 - April 13, 2004 Vila Bertha May Richter (Lawson) October 20, 1933 - April 13, 2004 With great sadness we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of our loving Mom (Granny Bert) at the young age of 70. Predeceased by her husband Edward Richter (1985), father Robert Lawson (1974) and mother Cora Kershaw (2001). Mom is survived by her son Kirk Richter, daughters Diane Holloway (Larry) and Darlene Therrien (Perry); brother Bruce Lawson (Edmonton) and sister Joan Bridges (Victoria). Granny Bert is survived by three grandchildren, Mitchell and Bridgette Holloway and Garrett Therrien. Mom is also survived by numerous “Richter” and “Lawson” family relatives and close friends Keith and Lorraine Partridge. Mom was born in Winnipeg and moved to the Cowichan Valley as a baby. She attended Duncan High School and her first job was at Eaton’s mail order office. Bertha met Eddie, the love of her life, in the early 1950’s and danced the night away to the “Tennessee Waltz”. They were married July 29, 1955 in Duncan and built their first home on Cassino Road, where they raised a family of three children. Mom enjoyed family life with all of its traditions. She was famous for her canning, apple pie and there were always fresh cookies when we came home from school. Mom participated fully in her children’s lives including “Mom’s Taxi Service”. While raising a family, her leisure activity was Tuesday night 5-Pin bowling with her friends. Summers were spent swimming and picnicking on the Chemainus River (you know who prepared and packed all of the wonderful food) and on the beach at Parksville. In 1976, she began working at the Cowichan District Hospital in the laundry and housekeeping departments, retiring in 1995 from the Personal Laundry at Cairnsmore Place. Following the sorrow of losing her husband, the birth of her grandchildren brought her great joy. Granny Bert was a devoted and loving grandmother. She supported the grandchildren in all of their activities; she was their biggest fan, cheering at the games and clapping at the performances. After the events there was always ice cream to celebrate. Throughout her life Mom generously volunteered her time to the Duncan O.A.P., the Cowichan Mammogram Clinic, the Heart and Stroke Foundation and the New Life Community Baptist Church. She enjoyed the company and laughter of her many friends in the Heart and Stroke Walking Club, the Duncan Women’s Connection and her Church. In the past decade traveling abroad with friends gave her many happy memories. She enjoyed flower gardening, crocheting, but most of all she enjoyed the Parksville beach, badminton, kickball and swimming in the Cowichan River with her grandchildren. There are places in our hearts that will forever treasure our Mom’s love and generosity, her joy and thoughtfulness. We will deeply miss our Mom (Granny Bert). A Celebration of Life will be held at the New Life Community Baptist Church, 1839 Tzouhalem Road, Duncan, BC, on Monday, April 26, 2004 at 1:00 pm. An afternoon tea will follow the Celebration at the Church. Donations to your favourite charity in lieu of flowers would be appreciated. SANDS of DUNCAN 746-5212 “Sign the Book of Condolence at www. sands-funeral.com”