Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great, great grandmother has started her journey into the loving arms of God. She has reunited with her beloved husband Donald Grassie, her daughter Beverly Rivers, her grandchildren William (Billie) Shampine and great grandson Trevor James Boileau after her sudden passing at home in Windsor, Ontario.
Vera is survived by seven children: Linda (James) Thomson, Kenneth (Bonnie) Rivers, Donald Rivers, Howard (Doug) Alexander, Andrew (Jill) Alexander, Barbara Harris and John (Melissa) Jones; 29 grandchildren: Brenda (Keith) VonBank, Martin Azevedo, Lisa (Scott) Adell, James Thomson, Michael Thomson, Crystal C, JaNeece Finn, Tara Rivers, Andrea Cootware, Michael Cootware, Donnie Rivers, Shania Rivers, Jason Homminga, Steven Alexander, Jessica (Joe) Weese, Douglas (Lisa) Alexander, Raelene Alexander, Christopher Buswa, Shawn Alexander, Sabrina Alexander, Conner Alexander, Vera Harris, Tyler Harris, Alexis Harris, Tanika Pierce, Michelle (Brannon) Wilson, Chandler Jones, Jordan Jones and Tayelor Wilson; 30 great, grandchildren, 5 great, great, grandchildren and extended family grandchildren.
Vera was famous for her delicious pies and was known in the Brimley area as the "Pie Lady". She worked the concession stand at the VFW in Brimley for serveal years and loved every minute of it. Don and Vera also delivered The Evening News for years in the Brimley Area, every customer was special to them and Vera sincerely enjoyed that as well. She loved to play bingo, shoot pool, do crosswords, go camping, any social gathering, she loved life, but mostly she loved being with her children and family and in her senior years, Vera developed a special bond with her son, Ken, who took loving care of her and spoiled her dearly.
Vera was born in Ontario, Canada and was the youngest girl of 10 siblings. Vera lived in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. for 66 years and the "Soo" was her home for all of her adult life. Vera was also a lifetime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the VFW auxiliary. We will forever miss our sweet mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and that loving mischievous smile that she gave you when you knew she was up to something. Memorial donations in memory may be made a charity of choice. The family would like to thank Damignani Burial, Cremations and Transfer Service for their excellent care and quick response in getting Vera from Windsor to her final place of rest in Sault Ste Marie. Interment at New Greenwood Cemetery in the Veterans Plot next to her beloved late husband Don. Arrangements entrusted to Damignani Burial, Cremations and Transfer Service Limited (Sault Ste Marie, Ontario 705-450-0969). www.damignanifunerals.ca