VERGIL ELEANOR STINSON

It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of Vergil Eleanor (Riley) Stinson, 93, of Fort Frances, Ont., on Thursday, June 26, 2014.
Verg was born Feb. 10, 1921 in Fort Frances, the second of four children, to Thomas and Ebba Riley of International Falls, Mn.
She was predeceased by her parents; stepfather, Gabe Henry; three siblings, Everett (Buck) Riley, Robert Riley, and Audrey Riley; her husband, Lloyd (Bud) Stinson; and her son, Terence (Terry) Stinson.
She is survived by her son, Leland (Lee) Stinson; grandsons, Christopher Stinson and Jonathan Stinson; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Stinson; and granddaughters, Victoria Stinson, Kathryn Stinson, and Kerrilyn Stinson.
Verg spent her childhood years in the east end of Fort Frances. As a youngster, she ran and played on the huge lumber piles at the Shevlin-Clarke sawmill.
She loved to swim at the sorting gap and the Point Park. She also enjoyed dancing at the Point Park pavilion.
Verg was passionate about skating on Rainy Lake and the other outdoor rinks around town. She loved and was active in many organized sports, including basketball, baseball, tennis, canoeing, and track and field.
Verg was especially proud of marching as a majorette in the Fort Frances band when King George VI and Queen Elizabeth visited Winnipeg, Man. in their 1939 royal tour of Canada; she recalled the band won third prize with more than 50 bands competing.
In her adult years, Verg developed numerous other interests, including a special enthusiasm for curling. She played in countless bonspiels and attended world curling events in Europe and North America.
Always involved in the community, Vergil was social dynamo forever interested and kind to everyone. She loved teaching English as a second language for the community college.
She also was a lifelong member of the Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She had a special place in her heart for her “Sorority Sisters” and the charity work they do for people in the district.
For 10 years, Verg worked tirelessly for tolerance and multiculturalism with the Rainy River Multicultural Association. She always was fascinated by rocks and minerals, having accumulated an extensive collection of them throughout her lifetime.
Verg’s love for her family in her later years was paramount and unconditional. She doted on her grandchildren, sparing no expense and giving everything she could for those she loved.
Vergil would go out of her way to cook for anyone who came to her house and it was her personal obligation to be the best host she could be. In addition to being a great cook, Verg also had a sweet tooth and never could get enough of the candies and chocolates cleverly hidden around her home.
Vergil lived a full and happy life always concerned for family and all those around her. She will be missed.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 3, 2014 from 6-7 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
A memorial service will be held Friday, July 4, 2014 at 11 a.m. in Hallett Hall at Rainycrest Long-Term Care, 550 Osborne St., in Fort Frances.
Fr. Wayne McIntosh will officiate, followed by a luncheon at the same location. All are welcome to attend.
Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The honourary pallbearers will be Vergil’s family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations be made to either the Knox United Church Renewal Fund or Rainycrest Long-Term Care Memorial Fund c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Vergil was caring, compassionate, and loving to all. We miss you, Gram.