Chiu, Jean Elaine

It is with the deepest sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Jean Elaine Chiu. She was born on December 13, 1934 in Hong Kong and passed away on November 28, 2008 in Surrey Memorial Hospital. Left behind to mourn are Clifton, husband and soul mate for 50 years, Corinne (Vincent) only daughter, Natasha and Gabrielle, grand-daughters, as well as two brothers, Sandy and Wilson, and four sisters, Alma, Mabel, Maize, and Mimi. Jean was born and raised in Hong Kong and educated at St. Paul's Convent School and Hong Kong University. She taught English at St. Clare's Girls' School for nine years with a year off for post-graduate studies in education at the University of Toronto and at UBC. After moving to Canada in 1968, she completed a Master's degree in Education. She taught in the Delta School District for 30 years where she was teacher-librarian at Annieville and Jarvis schools before she retired to a life of being a full-time grandmother. Jean was a lover of classical music, an accomplished seamstress and a crafter of jewellery. Her extended families will miss her many artistic talents and her generous spirit. Her circle of friends, colleagues and former students will miss her vivacity, infectious energy and sense of humour. In lieu of flowers a donation to Mount St. Joseph Hospital Tapestry Foundation for Health Care ( www.tapestryfoundation.ca ) will be most appreciated. Heartfelt thanks to Dr. R. Lee and all the nurses at Mount Joseph and Surrey Memorial hospitals who looked after her during her battles with pneumonia. A Celebration of Jean's life will be held in the future.

Slavik, Helen

Helen was born November 27, 1941 in Lethbridge Alberta and passed away September 1, 2008 in New Westminster at the age of 66. Helen will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a dynamic teacher/librarian in the Coquitlam School District for 33 years before she retired in 1999. Helen's friends and colleagues were always entertained by her many stories of her travels and her wicked sense of humour. Her memory will be cherished in the hearts of all whose lives she touched. Helen was predeceased by her parents Martin and Jennie, sisters Betty and Ruth, brothers Milan and Joe, nephews Allen, Robert and David. Helen is survived by her sister Lydia (Art) Perini of Taber AB, brother John (Ann) Slavik of White Rock BC, and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all the staff at Queen's Park Care Centre who looked after Helen in her last years. They would also like to thank the many friends who loyally stayed with Helen throughout her final journey.

In lieu of flowers donations to the BC Cancer Foundation would be appreciated. No service by request. A celebration of Helen's life will take place at a later date.

MacIver, Dolina

We regret the passing of Dolina MacIver who died peacefully in the early morning hours of Sunday, June 15, 2008 at the age of 100. Dolina is survived by her sister Christina and nieces and nephews. Dolina was a longtime resident of Vancouver and had a long career as a teacher and librarian. She will be greatly missed. There will be a private family remembrance.

Francis, Alice Mary

October 25, 1920 - February 28, 2008 We sadly announce the passing of Alice Mary Francis on February 28th, 2008, in Maple Ridge, BC at the age of 87 years. She was predeceased by her husband Blaine. Alice will be greatly missed by her son Norman, daughter-in-law Pat, daughter Leanne Stewart, son-in-law Dean, and grandchildren Kimberley, Sarah, and Luc Francis and Jordan and Brett Stewart. Alice will also be greatly missed by her brother Alfred Knowles, sister Jean Wilkinson and brother-in-law Fred, as well as many nieces, nephews, and long-time friends. Born in Unity, Saskatchewan, Alice moved to Grand Forks, British Columbia with her family at a young age. She attended teacher training in Victoria, and first worked as a schoolteacher in the Kootenays and in Keremeos. Alice moved to Oliver in 1945 where she met her husband Blaine, and where they lived happily married for 54 years. She taught at the Oliver Elementary School from 1945 to 1948 and was the school's librarian from 1965 to 1975. She was well respected by colleagues and students alike. Alice was an active member of the Activity Club, the Oliver Historical Society, and the United Church. She was a kind-hearted person who loved life at home, as well as traveling abroad. She enjoyed camping, fishing and cross-country skiing with her husband Blaine, as well as cooking, canning, pie-making, and organizing arts and crafts for her grandchildren. Alice loved music, and played the piano and organ.

A memorial service to celebrate Alice's life is to be held at the Oliver United Church at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8th with a tea to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Graham Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. will be greatly appreciated.

Bailey, Karen

October 28, 1942 January 5, 2008. Karen passed away peacefully on January 5, 2008 at Vancouver General Hospital. She was predeceased by her mother Phyllis Bailey and her father John Cameron Bailey. She is survived by her brother Bill Bailey of Prince George; her nieces Allyson Lindemann (Bill) and Phylisa Huchcroft, several grand nieces, and many friends. Born in Vancouver, Karen spent her early life in Melville, Saskatchewan. She completed high school in Vancouver, graduated from Simon Fraser University, and later completed her library science training at UBC. Karen will be remembered as an amazing classroom teacher and teacher-librarian who spent years successfully teaching children at several East Side Vancouver schools. Karen was a very active and outspoken member of the Vancouver Elementary School Teachers' Association representing the interests of her students and colleagues. After her retirement in 1999, Karen continued to be involved with children with special needs. She celebrated their abilities and tried to help them with their disabilities. All of her life, Karen was very protective of those she loved and cared for. She cared very much about her family, especially her brother, his children and grandchildren, and was proactive and passionate in her defense of her students and others in her care. She could be very blunt with one person and then choose her words very carefully to avoid hurting another person the next minute. An avid reader who enjoyed going to plays, movies, ballets, opera, antique and art shows, Karen also enjoyed gardening, shopping, travel, and having lunch with friends. In addition pets played a very important part in her life. Karen's love for her dog Amos and her cats was unconditional and they were devoted and loyal to her until the very end. Karen battled breast cancer courageously for years and had great respect for the doctors, nurses and health care workers who treated her. Many thanks to Doctors Chia and Majeed; and also to Debbie Jepson and Franziska Harder at the BCCA, for their care and sympathy. Karen will be missed tremendously by her family, friends, former students and their parents, but she will always be remembered for the impact she made on them. 

No funeral or memorial service will be held at her request. Donations may be made in Karen's memory to the BC Cancer Agency or to the SPCA.

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.

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.