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Facts and Events
death notice- Orillia Packet & Times, 6 JAN 2010:
FISH, Belvia (nee Lawrence) - Belvia (beautiful life). My departure has come. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Belvia Theresa Lawrence was born on June 29th, 1920, the 5th child of John and Susan Lawrence in Longford Mills Ontario. Her grandparents settled in Rama Township in 1835, having emigrated earlier from Ireland. Her brothers and sisters, Cecelia, Walmer, Andrew, Cathleen. James and Edward have all predeceased her. Her beloved husband Alton of 54 years, her son William and son- in law Patrick McDermott have also predeceased her. She was loved by her children, Gloria (Ron Smith), Edna McDermott (Dr. Frank Mader), Shirley (Fred Kordalewski), Alton (Denise McLay), Michael (Deborah), Patrick (Dianne Huff), her daughter-in law Mary Fish (late Bill Fish) and chosen daughter Earline Little (Weston). She was adored by her grandchildren - Michele Whitlock, Laura Warburton, Christopher, Francine, Geri, D'Arcy Smith, Terence, Brian, Patrick, Kevin McDermott Jeffrey, Melanie, Brian, Michael J. Fish and Jennifer Bannon David and Susan Kordalewski Chantalle, Michael B. and William K. Fish Matthew, Daniel and Jessica Fish Justin, Peter and James Fish. She was adored by her great-grandchildren Brayden Lee, Erin Smith-Young, Victoria and Angela Whitlock, Belvia Smith, Logan Smith, Shea Mcdermott and Amber and William McDermott Christian, Taryn Fish and Lucas Bannon William Fish. She will be fondly missed by her many nieces and nephews. Belvia married Alton, the love of her life, on Feb. 20, 1939 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Gravenhurst. At the time they were both employed at the Muskoka Sanitorium. In 1941 they moved to Longford Mills where they ran the Rama Post Office, later managing the farm for the late J.L.Younghusband of Chicago, now the Lake St. John Airport. In 1946 the family moved to Toronto. Belvia was a committed volunteer, community activist and dedicated to her Church. She volunteered for the Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke and the Red Cross. She was President of the Catholic Womens League at St. Edward's Willowdale and at St. Columbkille's Uptergrove. She was Eucharist Minister at St. Edward's and at St. Columbkille's. She was active in Right to Life and spoke at many high schools. She was active in the Catholic Family Movement, the Legion Of Mary and the Parent-Teachers Association. She was also President of the Theresians. and was an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Belvia and Alton cared for Children from the Catholic Childrens Aid for 15 years. Education for her children was very important to Belvia. She herself received her high school certificate through correspondence. She was interested in her community. She wrote a community interest column in the “Lansing Lights.“ She ran for Trustee for the Toronto Catholic School Board, losing the 2nd time by a slim margin. Belvia joined Catholics United for Spiritual Action, when she was confined to bed for a period of time, and enjoyed writing and receiving letters from those sick or disabled. This she continued to do. In 1980, Alton retired and Belvia who was now working at the Redeptorist Provincial Office in Toronto. also retired and they returned to the Lawrence Family Century Farm. Belvia then became an active member in the Orillia Senior Citizen Council, participated on the Rama Township/Library Board Committee and St Columbkille's. She authored the stories for “Old Gramps Story Time“, which were told by Alton over Cable 10. In 1989 Alton and Belvia bought a mobile home in Florida, which they enjoyed for many Winters. She continued to volunteer and was on the Board of Directors. It was through Art's generosity that she was able to stay in her beloved home for so long. We are thankful for the loving and caring staff at LeisureWorld Orillia. To Dr. D. Collins, Jennifer, Rita, Annette, Terry, Rachele, Fatima, Stephanie, Tracy, Barb,Sharon, Binu and to so many others. To the Activation Staff, Traci, Sarah, Melanie, Lisa, Leah,Nicole, Nikki. We are grateful that she never lost her sense of humour or her love of puns. She kept us laughing. “Keep smiling, be happy. Enjoy every day“ She is the last of her generation. So many memories will have been lost. Belvia died on Wed. December 09, 2009. If desired a Mass in memory of Belvia, a donation to Alzheimers Society, North East Simcoe County,St Vincent de Paul Society or a charity of your choice. Mass of Christian Burial was held at St Columbkille, Uptergrove on Monday December 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m With Fr. Glass Officiating. followed by interment at the Uptergrove Cemetery. The Lord Is My Shepherd. (Psalm 23) 11768776
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