Vera Atkin McCuaig, (nee Smith), 90

On March 6, 2012 we said a last goodbye to our dear Mom, Gram and Great Gram.
Mom passed away at the Rainy River Hospital with her family at her side. Those who knew her best will remember her unconditional love of family, her generosity, her beautiful paintings and flower gardens, and her never empty cookie jar.
Mom was born in London, England on October 11, 1921 to James and Lottie Smith. Mom's only brother Victor, lost his life in France during WWII. Mom excelled in school and graduated at age 17. She attended art school until its closing due to the onset of the war. Mom then enrolled in a four year apprenticeship at Boots Chemist. It was during this time that Mom met her future husband Earl Atkin, a soldier in the Canadian Forces. They were married on March 4, 1945 and emigrated to Canada shortly thereafter.
Upon arriving back in Rainy River, Mom and Dad moved to an island on Lake of the Woods to operate a commercial fishery. Quite a transition from London to Big Island. Mom embraced her new life with enthusiasm. What an adventure it must have been. Our Grandma Smith and Mom exchanged weekly letters for nearly 30 years. Mom was always very proud of her English heritage and over the years we were fortunate to have made several trips back and forth to England.
Upon the arrival of the first of four daughters, Mom and Dad moved into Rainy River where
Dad was employed with the CN. Throughout the years Mom was a "stay at home Mom." She was one of those rare people who did everything well (except drive). She was an excellent cook, seamstress, knitter, gardener, artist, you name it, she could do it all. Mom's home was her castle and her family was her kingdom.
Once we were all in school, Mom had time to pursue her creative side. Over the years she kept track of each and every one of her oil paintings. In the year 2000, Mom had hoped to have completed 2,000 paintings. She fell short by just a few but has since surpassed her goal. She now has paintings all over the world.
Dad passed away in 1973. Mom later married Stuart McCuaig and in 1978 moved to Atikokan. Mom and Stuart had five happy years together. After Stuart's death in 1983, Mom returned to Rainy River.
Mom was always thankful that so many of her family lived close by. Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren were a constant flow and she was delighted in their visits. Mom's door was always open and her cookie jar was always full. She will be sadly missed but forever in our hearts.
Vera is survived by her four daughters; Pam Ivall, Bunny Gaudry, Vicky Atkin, Heidi and son-in-law David Ivall.
Stepchildren; Gordon, Bruce and Murray McCuaig, Lori and Wally Hidinger and their families. Nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Mom was predeceased by her parents James and Lottie Smith; her brother Victor; husbands Earl Atkin and Stuart McCuaig; son-in-law Blaine Ivall and grandson Mark Ivall.
A memorial service was held at the Rainy River Anglican Church on Friday, March 9, 2012. Honorary pallbearers were all of Vera's grandchildren.
Service was officiated by Reverend Ruth Ivall, music by Jacquie Dufrense along with the United Church Choir.
In memorial donations may be made to St. James Anglican Church Memorial Fund in Rainy River.
Interment to take place at a later date at Forest Lawn Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.northridgefuneralhome.com