Vera "Joan" Richards

RICHARDS, Vera Joan - The crowning jewel of our family, our beautiful Mother, Nanny, Great-Nanny, Vera "Joan" Richards, beloved wife and soul-mate of the late Everett Richards, passed away peacefully at the F J Davey home on Sunday, August 3rd, 2014 within the arms and prayers of her family. She was born in West Bromwich, England on October 4th, 1922 and was in her 92nd year. Loved and cherished Mom to Penny (late Harry) Evans, Judy (Donald) McLennan and Debbie (Andy) Markevich. Special Nanny to 5 grandchildren and their spouses: Shawn (Michelle) Kent, Wendy (Steve) Rogers, Vicki (Adam) Schmidt, Rhys (Stacey) Evans, Leryn (Mike) Pastir. Special Great Nanny to 11 great-grandchildren: Sterling and Drew Schmidt, Logan and Maya Kent, Crosby and Sienna and Hudson Rogers, Varsity and Maverick Pastir, Brendan and Travis Baker. Her family was her pride and joy. She was pre-deceased by her beloved parents Robert and Nellie Bates, her Father and Mother-in-law Charles and Effie Richards, her cherished brothers and sisters-in-law Robert (Gladys), Jack, Bert (Betty), Clifford and Len Bates; brothers-in-law Kenny (Pearl) Campbell, Cyril (Lila and Chris) Richards, Charlie Richards and Effie (Gary) Barnes. She is survived by cherished sisters-in-law Dorothy Holyhead (Len Bates) and Jean Richards (Charlie) and brother and sister-in-law Norman and Dorothy Richards. She was loved and adored by many nieces and nephews and cousins in both England and Canada. We would like to give a special heartfelt thank you to Mom's loving caregivers Nancy Taylor and Donna Maniacco. They are truly angels here on earth and we are so thankful for their love, care and compassion shown to our mom over the last 2 years. We know our Mom loved them very much. We wish to thank the wonderful staff of Birch Lane 2 at the F J Davey home for their heartfelt care and compassion to our Mom and we are so thankful for the many dedicated P.S.W.'s, R.P.N.'s, R.N.'s; and want to thank the nurses of the palliative care unit for the kindness, dignity and compassion shown to our Mother. We also give a big heartfelt thank you to the kitchen staff, laundry staff, activity coordinators, cleaning staff, maintenance staff and volunteers. Thank you so much to everyone who touched our mom's life and made a difference. Our blessings go out to all of you. A special thank you to Mary Ann Cox for doing Mom's hair for so many years. Mom always said no one can do my hair like Mary Ann. A big thank you to the so many special people who have been her friends and co-workers throughout her life, her new friends at the Davey Home and their families, and her special friends at City Bible Church, all who embraced her with their love and were loved by Mom. We are comforted and encouraged by your wonderful sentiments. Our Mom was always the wind beneath our wings. She only saw the good in people and was so thankful for her family and everything she had. She left all of us a wonderful legacy of love, strength, courage and compassion. As one of her Grandsons said," you will know my Nan, she is the one who glows". She always dressed so beautifully and everyone knew her for her signature pearls she always wore and we will always remember her waving at the window. Her friends and staff at the Davey Home will remember her smiles, encouraging words and singing and most now know "Jesus Loves Me". She will always be our "Sunshine". Our mom was extra special and she touched many lives with her love and grace and she will live in our hearts forever. Thank you Mom. As Mom would say, "You are wonderful, thank you so much, God Bless You". To honour Our Mother's wishes, a private family service and celebration of her life has been held. Memorial donations may be made through the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre (492 Wellington East, Sault Ste. Marie, P6A 2L9, 705-759-2522) in honour of the F.J. Davey Home or the charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.