Grannary, Dora #88 *

Honoured by Susan, Dale, Lorrie, Billy, David and their families.

Our Mom, Dora Mary Grannary, was born in Sudbury, Ontario, the second of five children, to Tiziano and Mary Caverson. Mom’s earliest years were spent in Coniston before her family returned to Sudbury when she was in grade nine. Mom attended high school at Sudbury Tech in the commercial program, where she developed her secretarial skills and enjoyed playing on the school basketball and volleyball teams. In 1951 Mom married Donald Grannary. They had five children (Susan, Dale, Lorrie, Billy and David), and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mom is well known and respected for her many years working in the insurance industry in Sudbury, Temagami, North Bay, and Edmonton. Today, Mom enjoys singing with the Baytones and her church choirs, and she is actively involved with the Italian Davedi Club. Walking along the North Bay waterfront with her friends and participating with her fitness and square dancing groups, keeps her agile, healthy and young at heart.

Mom’s energetic love of life inspires her children to this day. Her love of many sports, including softball, curling, swimming, golf, and dancing, has carried on through all of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Mom devoted her life to ensuring that her five children were healthy, happy, and loved. She taught us the importance of family values, and our memories include happy gatherings with our grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Mom taught us that family time is good for the heart and soul.

Mom taught us about faith and perseverance. She demonstrated that no matter what challenges you face in life, put one foot in front of the other and carry on. It was her very strong faith in God that carried her through difficult times, and today she encourages her family, by example, to cultivate that faith. The Serenity Prayer hangs on Mom’s kitchen wall and she lives by the words – “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

Mom has taught us to help others. She spent several years in Sudbury caring for her elderly parents when they could no longer live on their own. Mom is always ready to lend a helping hand. She bakes muffins or makes lasagna for friends or family who are going through difficult times. Mom’s kind nature has taught us to be considerate of others.

Our Mom is an independent, resourceful, and intelligent woman, and her confidence in us inspired us to believe we could accomplish anything we set out to do. Mom has taught us to live, love, and laugh together, and for this we are truly grateful.

We love you, Mom.