Passed away peacefully on the 29th of August, 2026 at Bear Creek Terrace in Petrolia, in her 95th year.
Born on July 13, 1931, in Watford, Ontario, Reta was one of five children born to Beatrice and Harry Miller. With three older brothers, Charles, Bruce, and John, and a beloved younger sister, Lena, Reta (nicknamed “Zane” by her family) was a scrappy girl raised in a time when there wasn’t much extra money but there was no shortage of care and love. Though she sometimes regarded her WWI veteran father as a little strict, she understood that having five rambunctious children at home and serving as the principal of the local country high school gave him good reason to be. Reta carried that same sense of discipline and order into her own life.
After finishing Normal School (as Teacher’s College was then called) and earning her teaching diploma, Reta Jane Griffin moved to Woodstock, Ontario. One of her first jobs was in a one-room schoolhouse, an environment where she undoubtedly honed her famous time-management and organizational skills. During that time, she forged lifelong friendships when a new teaching opportunity arose in Kapuskasing, Ontario. Reta enthusiastically embraced the opportunity but later admitted she really left Woodstock “to find herself a husband!”
And find one she did in Bob, who sadly predeceased her in 2019 after nearly 62 years of marriage. It is difficult to speak of Reta without speaking of Bob; they were such a well-matched and devoted couple, the epitome of a true partnership. The best part of their marriage was their ability to make each other laugh every single day.
Together they settled in Sarnia, Ontario, where they started their family, one of Reta’s greatest joys in life. Two sons, Darryl and Wayne, arrived quickly, followed by their daughter, Karen. The home they built was filled with support, respect, and endless raucous laughter. Their neighbourhood became a small, close-knit community made up largely of mothers calling their children in for dinner each evening. She formed lifelong friendships with her neighbours as they raised their families together, building a strong and enduring community. Making friends came easily to Reta; everyone loved her, and she pretty much loved everyone right back.
Perhaps because of her upbringing and teaching background, Reta was a stickler for certain things, always quick to correct a misspelling, mispronunciation, or social misstep. Her children were well acquainted with the dreaded “look” a subtle yet highly effective tool for keeping everyone in line. One day, disgusted by her family’s constant use of “eh?” at the ends of their sentences, she drafted a bristol board chart listing offenders and infractions, complete with fines, and posted it on the garage door.
She always had a light on for her family. Her children knew where to go for wise words, quiet counsel, and as many cups of coffee as needed. She worried about her loved ones constantly. Even when reminded that 90 percent of what she worried about never happened, she would simply smile and point out that “worrying works!”
Reta also gave deeply of her time to her community. Her volunteer efforts were extensive and included delivering meals for Meals on Wheels, canvassing door-to-door for the Canadian Cancer Society, and serving at Sarnia’s Inn of the Good Shepherd, often with Bob by her side. Reta spent decades supporting Paterson Memorial Church, so much so that in later years, if she wasn’t home to take a phone call, her kids knew it was because she was “Down At The Church” relayed as one word in explanation by Bob every time. Reta served as a choir director, Explorers leader, and long-time convener of the annual Strawberry Social and Christmas bazaar. Her family often found themselves “voluntold” to assist – Bob, patient as ever, became a skilled yarn-ball roller and turkey pot pie carrier in no time.
Reta’s own Christmas tree was lovingly adorned each year with her handmade ornaments and she crafted many cross-stitched artworks, including a large wreath that took nearly a decade to complete and still hangs every Christmas in a living room on Vancouver Island. Christmas was Reta’s favourite time of year; she was happiest when surrounded by her family, perhaps sharing a “small” rum and Coke, wink, wink. The holidays always brought out her nostalgia for the joyful Christmases of her childhood, when her house was full, if stretched a little thin. Canada Day was another favourite, and she loved dressing up in patriotic red and white to celebrate, often sitting with Bob on the berms in Canatara Park to watch the parade. Reta was Canada Strong all the way and loved our great country and felt it was an honour to live here.
After the sale of their home in 2018 and Bob’s passing in 2019, Reta faced enormous challenges. The 2020 pandemic left her isolated in lockdown for months, followed by a devastating 2023 fire that destroyed her assisted-living residence. Throughout this tragic sequence of events and this confusing and traumatic time, Reta remained a trooper even as her increasing dementia blurred the sharp lines drawn by a shared past. The last years were difficult, but Reta faced it all with grace and courage, even as her mind gently drifted away from those who loved her so deeply and will miss her very much.
Reta leaves behind her three children, Darryl (Dianne), Wayne (Sara), and Karen; grandchildren Paul (Erin), Joel (Angela), and Laura (Travis); and great-grandchildren Cohen, Isla, Cooper, and Jett.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Fairbanks Wing at Bear Creek Terrace in Petrolia, for their compassionate assistance and kindness in caring for Reta.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully appreciated.
