Obituary for Geraldine "Gerry" Brittain
Georgie Geraldine “Gerry” Brittain, made a blessedly quick exit from this world on Friday, June 17th. She had been waiting 40 years to be with her beloved husband Charlie again.
Gerry is survived by her daughter Ellen, granddaughter Erin Ritchie (Alex), grandson Alex Burton (Katherine), great grandchildren Emmett, Leo and Charlie and three generations of nieces and nephews.
Over the last ten years dementia had tried to take the life out of Gerry, but if her wits had departed, her wit sure hadn’t. The Villa staff were frequently entertained by her one liners and if a hat, scarf or even a mop were nearby she was sure to don it.
In her younger days, no one moved faster on foot, or by car than Mom, earning her the nickname “Grammy Burn Rubber”. She was in perpetual motion, still doing flips off the raft in her 70’s and bowling three times a week in her 80’s. She could reminisce about skating on Lake Milo and pitching in softball games. She was the original “Dancing Queen”, step dancing with her sister, waltzing with Dad in the living room or at Saturday night dances and was the last one off the dance floor at every wedding.
At 18, she joined her first choral group and sang in them for 65 years, as she did in the choir of the Holy Trinity Church. Mom was devoted to her church and was a member of ACW and Altar Guild. For years, she convened church teas and suppers. She was a member of the IODE and Kinettes. She delivered for “Meals on Wheels”, worked in the Hospital Gift Shop and served as a member of the Housing Authority. Still, she fit in travel around the world, visiting over 30 countries.
My mother was a caregiver. First and foremost she was a devoted mother.
She also cared for her parents, her older sisters and their families and many a friend. Her most important caregiving role was the daily care of her grandchildren. She taught them manners, how to abstain from “dark pop” and watching the “idiot box”.
She chauffeured them everywhere, with friends, and was a faithful fan at all their sporting events.
No story of Mom’s life would be complete without the mention of the camp Dad built on Bird Lake. Mom lived summers there in a “come one, come all” fashion. Both the path from the Trefry camp next door and the road from PEI to Bird Lake were well traveled, with generations eager to see her.
We would like to thank the staff at the Villa St Joseph- Du-Lac, especially the caregivers on the Lakeside Villa, as well as Dr. Julie Chandler. Family flowers only. Donations can be made to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Yarmouth. Visitation is Wednesday, June 22 from 7:00- 9:00 PM. Family interment to be held Thursday. Online condolences by visiting https://www.sweenysfuneralhome.net
Gerry is survived by her daughter Ellen, granddaughter Erin Ritchie (Alex), grandson Alex Burton (Katherine), great grandchildren Emmett, Leo and Charlie and three generations of nieces and nephews.
Over the last ten years dementia had tried to take the life out of Gerry, but if her wits had departed, her wit sure hadn’t. The Villa staff were frequently entertained by her one liners and if a hat, scarf or even a mop were nearby she was sure to don it.
In her younger days, no one moved faster on foot, or by car than Mom, earning her the nickname “Grammy Burn Rubber”. She was in perpetual motion, still doing flips off the raft in her 70’s and bowling three times a week in her 80’s. She could reminisce about skating on Lake Milo and pitching in softball games. She was the original “Dancing Queen”, step dancing with her sister, waltzing with Dad in the living room or at Saturday night dances and was the last one off the dance floor at every wedding.
At 18, she joined her first choral group and sang in them for 65 years, as she did in the choir of the Holy Trinity Church. Mom was devoted to her church and was a member of ACW and Altar Guild. For years, she convened church teas and suppers. She was a member of the IODE and Kinettes. She delivered for “Meals on Wheels”, worked in the Hospital Gift Shop and served as a member of the Housing Authority. Still, she fit in travel around the world, visiting over 30 countries.
My mother was a caregiver. First and foremost she was a devoted mother.
She also cared for her parents, her older sisters and their families and many a friend. Her most important caregiving role was the daily care of her grandchildren. She taught them manners, how to abstain from “dark pop” and watching the “idiot box”.
She chauffeured them everywhere, with friends, and was a faithful fan at all their sporting events.
No story of Mom’s life would be complete without the mention of the camp Dad built on Bird Lake. Mom lived summers there in a “come one, come all” fashion. Both the path from the Trefry camp next door and the road from PEI to Bird Lake were well traveled, with generations eager to see her.
We would like to thank the staff at the Villa St Joseph- Du-Lac, especially the caregivers on the Lakeside Villa, as well as Dr. Julie Chandler. Family flowers only. Donations can be made to the Holy Trinity Anglican Church of Yarmouth. Visitation is Wednesday, June 22 from 7:00- 9:00 PM. Family interment to be held Thursday. Online condolences by visiting https://www.sweenysfuneralhome.net