August 2, 1935 - February 3, 2024
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother. She showed unfailing determination to come back from the many medical challenges she faced. She will be fondly remembered for her bravery, friendliness, thoughtfulness, and generosity.
Mom was predeceased by her loving parents Albert and Marion Fearnley, devoted husband of 58 years Albert, dearly loved brothers Bob and Neil and adored grandson Matthew.
She is greatly missed by her children Roxanne (David), Rod (Sue), and Mark (Allie), grandchildren Rodney (Michele), Rebecca (Justin) and Tessa, great-grandchildren Carson, Walker, Nash, Addy and Dawson, cousins, nephews, nieces, and many friends from her time in Kamloops, Surrey, Pacifica Retirement Residence and Peace Portal Seniors Village.
It is difficult for children to believe that their mother had a life before theirs, but family stories and photos revealed that Mom's youth was filled with adventures, awards and experiences including looking beautiful in elegant gowns at debutante balls, and stunning in the bathing suit element of the Lady of the Lake Pageant in Kelowna in the early 1950's.
Our Mother graduated from George Pringle High School in Westbank where she excelled in academics and sports. She was an excellent swimmer and a skilled volleyball player. She was proud that her high school volleyball team were provincial champions in 1953.
Mom earned teaching certification in 1955 at The Normal School in Victoria and her first assignment was at Forest Grove Elementary in the Cariboo, where she met our Dad, a widower with two young children. Mom embraced the challenges of raising her new family while teaching full-time in Monte Lake, Westsyde and North Kamloops elementary schools until Mark's birth in 1963.
In addition to raising three children, supporting Dad, keeping an immaculate home and volunteering in the community, Mom was a helpful neighbour, dedicated aunt and devoted friend to many. She greeted everyone by name with amazing warmth and a welcoming smile. Mom greatly enriched the lives of all she knew.
Our family is sincerely grateful to the staff at Peace Portal Seniors Village for their gentle, compassionate care for Mom.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.