VIRGINIA ELAINE CAMERON

It is with great sadness that the family announces Virginia Elaine Cameron, 84, of Stratton, Ont., passed away Sunday, July 27, 2008 in Thunder Bay, Ont. after a courageous battle with cancer.
Virginia was born June 21, 1924 to Victor Petri and Clara (Roen) in the small town of Redby, Mn., located on Red Lake near Bemidji. Three weeks after her birth, the Petri family moved to Canada, taking up a homestead in the rugged wilderness north of Blackhawk, Ont., where the family settled to make a new life.
She was united in marriage to John Norman Cameron on July 13, 1954, moving to the farm in Stratton in 1958 to raise their family.
Family and the farm were Virginia’s most prized possessions to her dying day. A tireless worker, she made the most out of what she had—planting a garden yearly (even in this most trying year), canning, spinning wool to knit socks/mitts, making renowned home-cooked meals, chopping wood, and, if necessary, carpentry and other home repairs.
Virginia thrived on her independence and with her sister, Elizabeth, started working at the tourist camps in Nestor Falls, Ont. at a young age, where they built a reputation for being reliable workers.
A self-educated woman, Virginia had no problem finding employment, working beyond her retirement years at Bear Island on Lake of the Woods at the bequest of owners unable to let her services go.
Virginia developed many friendships throughout the Rainy River District and was known to many as “Amy.” Her personality and unwavering zest for life endeared her to not only her family but her closest friends, who gave of their time and compassion allowing her to live out her years on the family farm.
Her close neighbours, Rueben Korb, Lenore Gustafson, Evelyn Whalen, Erna Geissler, and Wanda Jodoin, were her social lifeline over the years, driving her for groceries and appointments, but also coming over for coffee, companionship, and a good game of cards.
She had a passion for learning, following current events and politics with zeal. Cards, music, playing guitar, and reminiscing to the wee hours of the morning were displayed in her love for life.
She took pride in gardening and maintaining her yard with a true connection to nature.
Virginia will be dearly missed by her six children, Caroline (the late Rod Fikis), John (Velma Jardine), Linda, Evelyn, Jacalyn (Eusabio Alvaro), and Shirley (Corrado Bartolo).
Chelsea Cameron-Fikis was Virginia’s only grandchild and had a special place in her heart, as did her nephew, Bob Cameron, who she viewed as her own.
She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were part of her life.
She was predeceased by her husband, Jack (1998); her beloved son-in-law, Rod Fikis (2008); her parents, Vic and Clara; and all her sisters/brothers, Betty (Elizabeth), Dot (Dorothy), Kay (Kathryn), Helen, Sonny (Victor), Chas (Charles), and Francis.
A visitation will be held Thursday, July 31, 2008 from 7-8 p.m. at the Rainy River Funeral Home in Rainy River, Ont.
A celebration of Virginia’s life will be held Friday, Aug. 1, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Stratton Community Hall in Stratton, Ont., with Barb Miller officiating.
Cremation will take place following the service, with interment in the Stratton Cemetery at a later date.
The pallbearers will be Rueben Korb, Howard Roen, Bob Cameron, Eusabio Alvero, Corrado Bartolo, and Hank Barwick.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made in the name of Virginia Cameron, with proceeds to be directed to community service in Stratton, c/o Rainy River Funeral Home, P.O. Box 694, Rainy River, Ont., P0W 1L0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com.