Renate Griffiths was born December 7, 1929, in Heidelberg Germany. She passed away peacefully at Lions Gate Hospital on July 21, 2022. She is predeceased by her much-loved husband Don, and her brother frank Foulkes. She is survived by her son Anthony Rowe, her two stepdaughters Janet and Jerri Griffiths; her goddaughter Susan Heyes; her granddaughter Megan (Doug) McKendry; and 4 great grandchildren: Dylan, Nevaeh, Nayeli and Travis. Renate is also survived, by her sister Rosemary (Tony) Somers and her sister-in-law Mary Foulkes, both of whom live in England.
Renate escaped from Nazi Germany, in 1939, with her brother Frank, as part of the kinder transport. Her parents were able to follow them to England. After completing her nursing training at the Royal Free Hospital in London in 1953, she immigrated to Canada. She worked as a registered nurse upon arrival in Canada in Wainwright, then at Shaughnessy Hospital in Vancouver, at Lakeshore General in Pointe Claire, PQ, and at Lions Gate. She continued to pursue her education, working her way up to the ICU, and the going back to BCIT to become a Psychiatric Nurse. Her final career as a handwriting analyst and document examiner fulfilled her greatest passion, although she hated testifying in court.
In 1957, she met and married Reginald Rowe, and was blessed in 1958 with her son Anthony. In 1977, she married Don Griffiths, whom she always described as the love of her life. They lived together on the North Shore, first in North Van and then West Vancouver for their entire marriage. Renate had a lifelong interest in art, devoting her free time to sculpting, graphic arts and painting. She was an avid walker. Like her late husband, she had an active interest in community and current affairs. Prior to her death she met regularly with a current affairs group at the West Vancouver Senior Centre.
Above all, she treasured her friends and family. She valued their love and support. She was overwhelmed that so many people took the time to visit or contact her while she was in the hospital. Renate requested cremation. A Celebration of Life will be held at Hollyburn Funeral Home in West Vancouver on August 27th from 1pm to 3pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Renate’s favorite charities included Doctors without Borders, Knowledge Network and the Kay Meek Arts Centre in West Vancouver.
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