May 28, 1928 – January 29, 2009
Mom passed away peacefully on the morning of January 29th, 2009 at the Kamloops Hospice Home. She was 80 years old. Mom is survived by her daughter Kathy and granddaughters Kendall, D’arcy, Lia and Arynn Macmillan, her son Craig (Bette) and grandchildren Katherine, Kimberly and Kristopher Jones and her son Mark (Tanya). She was predeceased by her husband Brian William Jones in 1992. Mom was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and moved to Westbank, B.C. as a young child. It was here on the banks of Okanagan Lake that she spent her childhood and youth, creating friendships and relationships that would last a lifetime. After finishing high school, Mom trained as a Registered Nurse at Vancouver General Hospital and continued to work there after graduation. In 1952, she and Dad were married in Westbank, B.C. and began their life together. Within a few years they had moved to Kamloops B.C., building a new home where they raised their family. Once her family was grown, Mom joined the Royal Inland Hospital Ladies Auxiliary, forming fond friendships over her 29 years of service. Following Dad’s injury, Mom spent time with him every day, her commitment unfaltering and her friends were there with their invaluable support. Mom was happy being a nurse, wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. Her marriage, grown children and beautiful home reflected her investment of time and love. Mom faced her final months with dignity and serenity. She chose to leave in her own time, going quietly and peacefully. The family would like to thank Dr. Mabee, Dr. Avanessian, Dr. Plausinis and Dr. Schumacher for their ongoing and compassionate care. A very special thank-you is extended to the staff at the Kamloops Cancer Clinic and those at the Hospice House who so lovingly cared for Mom. There are also no words to express our admiration for Bette’s strength and devotion – she is truly Mom’s angel here on earth. At Mom’s request, there will be no funeral service. Donations in her memory may be made to the Kamloops Cancer Clinic, 8 South, Royal Inland Hospital, 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops, B.C. V2C 2T1, The Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House, 72 Whiteshield Crescent South, Kamloops B.C. V2E 2S9, or the SPCA, 1211-8th Street, Kamloops B.C. V2B 2Y3.
“A mother has a slender, small body, but a large heart – a heart so large that everybody’s grief and everybody’s joy found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation.” … Mark Twain