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.

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

Grasdal, June Lorraine (Aubrey)

March, 15, 1921 - November 14, 2006.
June is survived by her three daughters, Christina Grasdal (Mark Schofield), of Seattle, Sylvia Keyes, of Cloverdale, and Paula Grasdal, of Vancouver. She is also survived by her brothers Ted Aubrey, of Victoria and Dennis Aubrey (Shirley), of Kelowna, and many cherished nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased in April 2002, by her husband of 50 plus years, A. Martin Grasdal and her brother, Roland (Bud) Aubrey in February 2000. June was born and raised in the Marpole area of Vancouver, graduated from Magee High School after which she completed her B.A. at U.B.C. She then started a long career as a teacher and school librarian for many Vancouver elementary and secondary schools eventually retiring from her position as librarian at Kitsalino High School. A passionate life member of the Vancouver Guild of Fabric Arts, June worked tirelessly to raise scholarship funds for aspiring fabric artists. She was a member of the University Women's Club at Hycroft for over 40 years, working on the building's restoration, club fund raising commitees, and her favorite event - Christmas at Hycroft. Many fond Grasdal/Aubrey family memories are of celebrations held at Hycroft, all organized by June. A love of nature was a life long passion inspired by childhood summers at Bowen Island. Her daughters will continue to visit the island to remember and reflect on how precious her life was and enjoy life that exists. 

June's daughters wish to invite all the many friends and family who will miss her to a memorial service to be held at The Unitarian Church of Vancouver, 949 West 49th at Oak, Saturday, November 25th, 2006 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers donations to the Y.W.C.A. of Vancouver or The David Suzuki Foundation would be appreciated.

Dobie, Agnes Willa

August 26, 1919 - April 4, 2005 On April 4th, 2005, Agnes Willa Dobie passed away in New Vista Care Home, Burnaby, at 85 years of age after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Agnes was born in New Westminster where she grew up, went to school, worked and lovingly cared for her mother. She studied to become a school teacher, graduating with the last class at the Vancouver Normal School. She taught in Field, Okanagan Centre, and Winfield then worked as School Librarian in several schools in the N. Okanagan. Agnes lived a life of Christian service, caring for her family and friends, teaching children to love books and life, providing Pastoral Care to residents at Cottonwoods in Kelowna after retirement, and led by example. She loved nature, finding joy in feeding wild birds and was happily surrounded by her cats and dogs. Agnes spent many happy days outdoors, taking long walks with friends and family. She is survived by her nieces, Jaquie Bunse of Burnaby, Lynda Lockwood (Laird) of Prince George, Craig Dobie (Debbie) of Summerland, and their families.

A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, April 9, 2005, at the Free Methodist Church at 320 - 8th Street, New Westminster at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in her name could be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C.