Saturday, December 22, 2007

Gall, Margaret Susan (Hedley)

August 15, 1943 - December 20, 2007. After a long battle with cancer, Susan passed away in Surrey Memorial Hospital with her family by her side. She was predeceased by her father Frank Hedley, mother Margaret, and stepfather Reg Burr. Susan leaves behind her loving husband, Bob, and two adoring children, Emily and Ian Gall. She will be fondly remembered by her stepbrother, Larry Burr (Maggie), family, and close friends such as the Bridge Girls, who provided her with comfort, inspiration and laughter. Susan taught home economics at Delta Secondary and finished her career as a teacher librarian at Brooke Elementary where she adored her work with the children. She was an avid gardener, sewer and reader. Among her many memories include sharing the ski cabin in Whistler with the Martins, boating, and canoeing with friends and Bob throughout their 35 years of marriage. We will forever be inspired by her moral strength, positive attitude and generosity. The family thanks everyone for their support, especially Hope Mountford for her unconditional love and devotion.

A celebration of Susan's life will take place on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 2:00pm at Valley View Funeral Home, 14660 72nd Ave., Surrey. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, who gave us several more wonderful years together. You will be in our hearts forever.

Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Ourom, Edith Rita (Rosinke)

October 14, 1929 - December 9, 2007 Born in Kitchener, Ontario, and died peacefully in Vancouver after a short and valiant battle with brain cancer. Sadly missed by her sister, Eleanore Rosinke of Toronto; her husband of 54 years, Donald; daughters Julianne and Kathy; sons Anders and Peder (Louisa Jardine); and grandchildren Jens and Claire Ourom and Flora Dunster, who sorely miss their Granny O. Also survived by family in Canada, Germany, Norway and England. Predeceased by her parents, Leo Rosinke and Klara Kaesler, who emigrated from Prussia in the 1920's and settled in Kitchener-Waterloo. Mom was very proud of her German heritage. After high school, her independent and adventurous nature took her to Stratford Normal School, followed by teaching first in Goose Bay, Labrador, and then in British Guiana where she met Don, a civil engineer from Saskatchewan. After their marriage and a honeymoon in post-war Europe, Mom and Dad settled in Kingston, Ontario where all four children were born. In 1962, the family moved to and settled in Vancouver. Vancouver was a wonderful place to raise a family and enjoy the many outdoor and cultural opportunities of a larger city surrounded by mountains and ocean. After her children were in school, Mom completed her B.Ed. at U.B.C., specialising in school librarianship. “Mrs. O” worked as a teacher-librarian in Vancouver for 27 years instilling a lifelong love of reading in the children of Livingstone, Bayview, Waverley and Lord Nelson Schools. She passionately promoted children's literature and was active on various library and children's literature committees. Mom treasured her long-lasting friendships, including several from early childhood. She was a born teacher and supported many colleagues in their efforts to educate Vancouver children. Some of these working relationships blossomed into the very best of friendships. Her enthusiasms for Red Riding Hood, children's literature, antique silver teaspoons and other collectibles led to world-wide friendships and wide-ranging collections, as well as many enjoyable and productive visits to second hand stores. Mom approached life with enthusiasm and zest, ensuring there was never a dull or wasted moment. She inspired (and sometimes exhausted) others with her energy and ideas, and was generous with advice, whether welcome or not. After retirement she continued to enjoy life to the fullest with numerous trips to Europe, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, the Yukon, Alaska and Ontario, many focussed on opera and theatre, particularly the Ring Cycle. She belonged to Vancouver Opera and the Metropolitan Opera Guild. She was an avid gardener and spent many happy hours “playing in her garden” (as she called it) at home and at the cabin on Lasqueti Island where she fought an ongoing battle with the deer and sheep. She grew a variety of interesting plants ranging from kiwi and figs to herbs and heritage roses, and was generous in sharing with other gardeners. She was a Van Dusen Master Gardener for over twenty years, and was especially passionate about worm composting, teaching many workshops. She was also active in the Dunbar Garden Club, the Vancouver Guild of Embroiderers, the Catholic Women's League and other community organisations where she usually enlivened the proceedings. An accomplished cook and baker, her trays of homemade Christmas cookies, with recipes refined through many years of practise, were appreciated each year by all those fortunate enough to enjoy them. We are continuing with some of her traditions. Knitting, needlework and sewing were also accomplishments, with family members and charities being the lucky recipients of her output. Mom was a storyteller by nature. Often the tales grew in the telling, a trait inherited from her father. It has been said that she never let facts stand in the way of a good story. She was a voracious reader and self-described “printaholic”, as well as an enthusiastic letter writer, and loved to share her experiences with others. She was active in her church and participated in many activities, particularly craft fairs. She was strong in her faith, passionate about recycling, environmentally aware, and concerned about the world of the future. One of her last wishes was to contribute to educational programmes for schoolgirls in Afghanistan. The family would like to thank Robert Greenwood, M.D., for his friendship and care especially in the last few months and Marion Hospice for care in Mom's last days. Liturgy of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 2465 Crown Street at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 18th, followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment at St. John's, Fosterton, Saskatchewan in Spring 2008. No flowers. In keeping with her eclectic and wide-ranging interests, the family welcomes contributions in her name to AGAPE Street Ministry (Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate), The Land Conservancy of British Columbia or Canadian Women for Women Afghanistan. And to continue her love of children's literature and reading, we encourage you to take a moment and read a book to a child.

Published in the Vancouver Sun and/or The Province on 12/15/2007.

Thursday, July 5, 2007

James, Sara Elizabeth (McKinnon)

After bravely fighting cancer for three years, Sara passed away peacefully with her family by her side at Vernon Hospice House, on July 1, 2007. Cremation has taken place. Born in Victoria, BC, March 3, 1941, Sara was daughter of Findlay McKinnon and Beatrice Ruttan. Beloved wife of David James, mother of Kathryn Stewart and Julianne (Greg) Wylie, adored Grandma to Ryan, Holly, James and Fiona. Big sister to her favourite brother Peter McKinnon. Step-mother of Julie James (Ivan), Gary James, Leonard (Tammy) James and family, Francis (Stuart) Leblanc and family. Sara also leaves behind adored cousins, Kat and Juli's Dad, Bill Stewart and his family, as well as many other special friends, new and longtime -- some for 60 years. Sara was a teacher/ librarian with the Surrey School Board (Holly and Bear Creek schools). She was a life-time member of P.E.O. and had a love of the water, sailing and world travel. Her smile and laugh will not be forgotten. Her red hair matched her vibrant personality and her hot rod Mustang Sally. Sara was known for her elegance in dealing with challenges and her classy way of dressing. She made an impression on all those that knew her and will never be forgotten. A celebration of Sara's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at Sovereign House on the shores of Kalamalka Lake in Coldstream, BC, 7604 Kidston Rd. Colourful, happy, semi-casual attire is encouraged. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of VJH, the VJH Cancer Clinic, the caring 'angels' at Hospice House, and especially to Dr. William Charlton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice House of Vernon, 3506 - 27th Ave. Vernon, BC, V1T 1S4. Condolences may be sent by email to wylie542@telus.net