Anne Griffiths
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Anne Griffiths on Thursday, April 17th, 2014, following a lengthy and courageous battle with breast cancer. She was born on November 24th, 1931, in Llandudno, North Wales, to Robert and Annie Griffiths.
Anne was predeceased by her parents, two husbands; Ernest Melanson (1985) and Richard Leslie Rowe (1996), sisters Jane Johnson of Fort Pierce, Florida, Elizabeth Spence of Riondel, BC, and very recently, older brother John Griffiths (Violet) of Kentville, Nova Scotia.
Anne was a strong willed, independent lady. In 1965, circumstances led her to pack up her three young boys and move the family from Nova Scotia to Florida, then across North America by plane, train and automobile to Nelson, BC, where she resided until her death. Anne attended Mack Business College in Kentville, Nova Scotia in the early 60’s and this paved the way for a career as a legal secretary. Anne worked for Kitto Berg Chartered Accounts in Nelson, for many years before finishing her career with the Ministry of Attorney General, Criminal Justice Branch, Crown Counsel where she retired in 1987.
Anne was a bowling enthusiast, often representing the local area at the BC Seniors Games. She was also an avid golfer enjoying the friendships she made at Granite Pointe for more than 40 years. Her grandchildren referred to their “Grammie” as “the putting lady” for her unwavering ability to drain lengthy putts. Anne delighted in playing bridge, completing crossword puzzles, keeping informed of worldly events, and gardening. She lived for her grandchildren. One of her favourite pastimes was attending their sporting events (hockey, soccer, golf).
Anne is survived by her husband Al Meyer of Nelson, Sister Nancy Swanson of Fort Pierce, Florida, sons Ernie J. Melanson of Sooke, BC, Robert P. Melanson of Edmonton, Alberta, and Kevin A. (Janice) Melanson of Nelson, BC. Anne has six grandchildren; Kim Daley of Castlegar, BC, Robert J. Melanson of Lethbridge, Alberta, Michelle (Jorge) Melanson-Caballeros of Edmonton, Alberta, Brendan (Lauren) Melanson of Calgary, Alberta, as well as Jordan & Mitchell Melanson of Nelson, BC. Anne is survived by three great grandchildren, Emma Daley of Castlegar and Carlos & Natalia Caballeros of Edmonton, Alberta. Anne also has many nieces and nephews throughout North America.
Anne, God took you in his loving arms, He saw you needed rest. His garden must be beautiful; For He only takes the best. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure; You are loved beyond words and already missed beyond measure.
Our Family would like to extend thanks and appreciation to Doctors McKechnie and Malpass as well as the third floor nursing staff at Kootenay Lake Regional Hospital in Nelson, for their compassionate care.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday April 26th at 1 PM at the Cathedral of Mary Immaculate, 813 Ward Street, Nelson with Father Conrado as Celebrant.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thompson Funeral Services Ltd. Donations in lieu of flowers could be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 565 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 9Z9. On line condolences may be expressed at www.thompsonfs.ca.
