Mineola Juliet (Gridley) Williams

Mineola passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side. She was born in Yarmouth, the youngest child of Blanche (Mae) Stewart and Edward Warren Gridley. Predeceased by her parents, husband Roland Kenneth Williams and sisters Margaret Walsh and Louise Wilcox.

Mineola was dearly loved and adored by her children: Kendra (Randy) Marshall, David (Susan) and Pam; grandchildren Robert, Randall, Jennifer (Tado) and Laura; step granddaughter Rebecca (Sean) and great granddaughter Rumi. Sharing time with their grandchildren brought Mineola and Ken great pleasure. They also enjoyed a close relationship with their children’s partners.

Mineola loved growing up in Yarmouth, summer Y camp and basketball at Yarmouth High. After graduating, she worked at MT&T in Yarmouth. She was introduced to Ken while he was in Yarmouth working for the Canadian Hydrographic Service. They married in 1956 and enjoyed a wonderful life together for 53 years living in Ottawa, Dartmouth (Woodlawn), Quebec, Berwick and Halifax.

Once her children were older, Mineola worked as school secretary at Bel Ayr Park in Dartmouth. She was a perfect fit and made good friends with staff and students. She and Ken volunteered and helped their community through Kinsmen/Kinettes and the Lions Club/Lionettes. Mineola also canvassed for the Canadian Cancer Society and volunteered on the restorative care unit at the QEII Hospital. Many patients (and staff!) looked forward to her coffee club and delicious homemade goodies.

While Ken was away with the Bedford Institute of Oceanography during summers, Mineola became very involved in canoeing as an official in the judges stand on Lake Banook. Her children paddled at Abenaki, Cheema and Senobe and the family has wonderful memories of Sunday regattas and National Championships. She treasured cottage time with family and friends at Melmerby and Black Point Beach (Pictou County), visits with the Marshalls in Ottawa and several trips to Barbados.

Mineola will always be remembered for her kindness to all. She was always a caring listener, non judgemental and sincerely interested in peoples journeys. Her motto was “love and kindness are never wasted, they always make a difference”.

Our family is very grateful for all the support and love Mineola received from family and friends. Mom wants to send an extra squeeze to Lorraine and Pat and to her dear friend Kaye for her Monday night calls. We would like to thank her health care team, the pharmacy team at Lawtons Lord Nelson, friends and staff on Anchor Drive, VON, home care and the staff on 7A at the VG Hospital.

As per Mineola’s wishes, cremation has taken place, there will be no visitation or service and a private burial will take place in June. Donations in her memory may be made to VON or Canadian Cancer Society.