Dora Kathleen Gilraine (Griggs) passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on November 16, 2011. Dora was born in Vancouver on August 20, 1913, in the family home at 8th & Yew in Kitsilano. She moved with her family into their new home in Dunbar in 1925, the year she joined Immaculate Conception Church where she would become and remain a devout, life-long parishioner. Her father built the Gilraine home on West 27th in 1948 and that is where she and George raised their family.
She lived a truly full and active life, dedicated largely to her family, friends and church. She was an avid (but modest) golfer, an activity she shared for many years with her late husband George, her 5 children and their spouses during their annual camping trips to the Okanagan. She continued to enjoy her swims in Lake Tuc-El-Nuit until well into her 80’s.
The consummate grandmother of 13 and great-grandmother of 2, “Nanny” as she was affectionately called, will be missed and loved forever for her kind and gentle nature. Predeceased by her husband George (2000), sister May Roberts, and brother Dick, she leaves in her loving memory 5 children: Gary (Faye), Kathleen (John) Rogers, Diane (Tim) Fenton, Teresa (Gary) Fumano, and Patrick (Crean), brother John Griggs and special niece, Maureen Morrison, who always brightened Dora’s days with visits, flowers, and talks about the “old days”.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the entire staff of Columbus Residence where Dora spent her final 3 years surrounded by tender care and genuine affection. In Dora’s memory, donations may be made to the Building Fund at Immaculate Conception Church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thurs, November 24, at 2:00 pm at Immaculate Conception Church, 3778 W 28th Avenue, Vancouver, with reception to follow in the Church Hall.