Obituary for Elvera Lamie
Born Elvera Veronica Quinto in Toronto on May 22, 1922, to Bernard and Katherine Quinto, Elvera died on June 27, 2021 due to heart failure. Beloved mother of Frank Lamie (Anne), Keith Lamie, and Kathie Lamie (Brian), and loving Grandmother of Frank (Andria), Beth (Jerry), Peter, Denise (Matthew), Brianne, Connor, Daniel and Taylor. Great-grandmother to Siena, Michael, Leo, Vivienne, Jack, Lewyn, Elvera and Bennet. The second born of 5 children, dear sister of the late Marie Densmore, the late Frances Howlett, the late Joseph Quinto, and the very much with us – Bernice Holmes. Elvera will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews.
Elvera was predeceased by her husband of 10 years, Frank Charles Lamie, in 1961. They met at Elvera’s sister Marie’s house. She loved telling a story about a Christmas party at Marie’s when Frank and Elvera’s date both brought her a plate of food at the same time. During their marriage they lived in Detroit, Michigan and had their three children there. Following Frank’s passing, Elvera moved her children to Toronto. They were aged 9, 8 and 4. They settled in Willowdale where she began her career with Concordia (later Colonia) Life Insurance. She started as Secretary to the President, and in later years became the Executive to Agents – no easy task for a woman in the 1960’s.
Living close to two of her sisters, they helped each other and raised their children providing more guidance, opportunity, and love than any child could ask for. Elvera accomplished more than two adults usually do. Her daughter was walking home from grade 3 one day and noticed her mom painting the front of the house. Elvera had taken a week off to paint the outside of the house. Raising three children on her own with a full-time position was demanding, although she managed to send the boys to camp, spend many summers at cottages on Lake Simcoe, keep a car on the road and never missed a school event. Elvera was juggling many balls at once – for years – and she made it seem easy. Her sense of duty was remarkable. As members of St. Gabriel’s parish during the early years, we somehow made it to church on Sunday and were decked out in our Easter Best every year. Elvera was always considered a fashion plate – even when she entered the hospital last week – the nurses were commenting on her stylish jewellery and her fancy shoes.
When the children were launched and independent, Elvera’s later years at work involved planning and hosting incentive trips for sales agents. She loved this phase of her career, and toured Las Vegas, Hawaii, and BC with her colleagues. She was a master event planner and decorator. Known for her bright personality and quick witt, Elvera could be depended upon to bring a laugh to any situation – she was known for her sparkle, warmth and ‘can do’ attitude.
Once Elvera became an ’empty nester’ and retired, she moved from Willowdale to a condo in Richmond Hill. She enjoyed 28 years there, volunteering at the local hospital, attending St. Mary’s Church, making friends, spending time with her growing family, and of course, shopping, and entertaining. On her 90th birthday, she decided everyone was too busy to plan a party that Spring, so she hired a caterer, invited all her children, grand children, nieces and nephews, and hosted the party in her condo. It was a huge success!
When Elvera moved to Arbour Trails in Guelph in 2014 she soon joined 3 other residents at meals. They became fast friends and were known as The Golden Girls. The Dining Room staff would even make a sign for their table on special occasions ‘Reserved for the Golden Girls’.
One very capable, strong and fun-loving woman, she will be greatly missed by all who came to know her.
Many thanks to the staff of The Village of Arbour Trails for their constant care – especially during her recent illness.
Visitation will take place on Friday July 2nd with visitation at Marshall Funeral Home in Richmond Hill from 5 to 7 p.m. with a limit of 35 people in at a time. Saturday a mass will be held at St. Mary Immaculate Church on Yonge Street in Richmond Hill at 10:00 a.m. Due to COVID 19, the limit at the church will be 75. interment at Holy Cross Cemetery in Thornhill. The limit will be 50 people at the cemetery.
If you wish to make a donation in Elvera’s honour, please consider the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or any charity of your choice.
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Sunday June 27th 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Elvera Veronica Lamie Sunday June 27th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Richmond-Hill, Province: Ontario