Vera Helen WHITTINGHAM

MORPHY, Vera Helen - Deceased August 19, 2008. Predeceased by husband Dr. Steve Morphy. Born in Kelowna, B.C., May 6, 1928, to Jack and Helen Whittingham, she grew up in the Okanogan Valley enjoying the bounty of the earth and the lore of Ogo Pogo. Vera graduated as a Registered Nurse in the days of TB asylums and war. She met Steve, the dashing young doctor, and after a brief long-distance courtship, then residency, they married, had a child and moved east. Settling in Belleville over 50 years ago, Vera became an active member of the community. She became an advocate for the (dis)advantaged and dedicated much time to the March of Dimes and the Cheshire Home. She served a term as Spokesperson for the Ontario Women's Advisory Committee and assisted in many area fundraising activities. Known by her guests as an excellent cook, most notably her homemade bread, she relished being hostess to the occasional dinner party, including Halloween dress-up parties and many fun get-togethers when smoke filled the air and glasses were never empty. There wasn't anything she cooked that wasn't delicious and well received. She was an active participant in Bridge Club with friends and the Investment Club. She also spent many a night enjoying live theatre and others hospitality. Being co-owner of JM Seven Seas Travel allowed her the opportunity to travel to many areas of the world with a renewed appreciation and respect of other cultures and wildlife. Despite being diagnosed in 2000 with Alzheimer Disease, she remained good natured. Admittance in 2005 to the Belmont LTC was unfortunate, but necessary. Mom was loved and well cared for by the compassionate staff. Always a lady she never lost her sense of humour. It has been a long road, not without tears, but full of love and laughter and memories and glimpses of days gone by. Loved and missed by children Rob (Barb), Toronto, Brian (Ulrike), Ottawa, Patricia, Shannonville and Bruce, Bayside. Grandchildren Ben, Jillian, Evan, Nathan and Gina and great grandson Simon. To Mom, I watched the last breath pass from your body I remember the years as I stroked your hand with mine And waited for it to grow cold Memories / regrets / love / acceptance They say death frees the dead but not the living With Alzheimer Disease, it frees us both. Memorial Service in the BURKE FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL August 30, 2008 at 1 p.m. Visitation to follow until 4 p.m. Any who wish to speak are welcome to share a word or more. Reception and well wishes with family are to follow. In honour of our mother, we would like to allow you the opportunity to “write a memory of Vera“ on a piece of paper and place it in a jar that will be provided. We thank you in advance for sharing this day and your thoughts with us. Donations to the Alzheimer's Society would be appreciated. 11213322