GRIFFITH-COCHRANE
Ethel May
Peacefully in her sleep at St. Joseph’s General Hospital on 01 September 2008 at the age of 92.
Born at Bear Lake, Alberta to Ellen and Herbert Brough. She attended school in Wembly, Alberta, riding her horse to school in the summer and a covered, heated sleigh in winter. After graduating from high school in Grande Prairie, she worked for the Alberta Treasury Bank.
In 1945, her parents sold their farm and the family moved to Courtenay where Ethel worked for the Royal Bank of Canada for 9 years.
In 1948, she married Richard and they had two sons, Ross and Ian.
Ethel was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and in 2008 was presented with a 50 year membership pin. She served as Worthy Matron from 1971-1972 and later as the Grand Representative of the Order to the State of Kansas. During her years as a member of the “Star”, she convened the Chapter’s Cancer Dressing Station for more than 30 years where members met and made thousands of cancer dressings which were supplied free to cancer patients throughout BC. She was also an active member of Job’s Daughters for many years.
Ethel’s hobby was decorating wedding and birthday cakes for friends, relatives, and others in the community.
A member of St. George’s United Church, Ethel was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother and was noted for her kindness, caring for others, and sense of humour.
Ethel was predeceased by her parents and young son Ian and is survived by her husband of 60 years, Richard, son Ross (Margaret) and grandchildren Laura, Steven, and Jamie, as well as cousins in Grande Prairie, Kelowna, Oliver, and England.
The family is grateful for the expert care and kindness of Dr. Swanson and Dr. Silcox, and the care that Ethel received in the past month from the wonderful staff at St. Joseph’s emergency, second floor, and third floor.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. George's United Church, Courtenay on 20 September 2008 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ethel’s name to the Masonic Cancer Car Program, c/o PO Box 3423, Courtenay, BC, V9N 5N5.