February 20, 1927 ~ March 24, 2014

With profound sadness we announce Mum’s passing. The second child of Isaac and Anna Boyd Mum was born, raised and lived most of her life in Kamloops.

Mum is survived by daughters Carolyn (Warren) Bepple, Cherie (Hans Verhagan) Mansell, son James (Chris); grandchildren Shen, Ki, Kendra; sisters Hilda Sinclair, Marguerite (John) Burke, Dorothy (Bob) Grubb, Carol (Roy) Garby; brothers Bob (Audrey), Johnny (Helen Goronuk), Billy (Olive Brown); many nieces, nephews and cousins. We are a close-knit family and Mum cared for and gave her unconditional love to all and received much love in return.

Mum was a trail blazer for her family. She started to work in the kitchen of the Commodore Cafe in 1941 at age 14 doing dishes then peeling vegies. Eventually all her brothers and sisters at one time or another worked in either the Commodore Cafe or Alex’s Bar BQ. The Commodore is also where she met her husband Alex Kassiones who died in January 2005. After 40 years Mum retired from the Commodore and worked in dietary at Ponderosa Lodge for 10 years – a very enjoyable time for her.

Mum couldn’t wait to sign up for military service and persuaded her older sister Hilda to wait for her so they could join together. February 26, 1945 was the day!  Mum was later assigned to Canadian Army Shows and was in Rhythm Rodeo from August 1945 to November 1945 performing for recovering servicemen in England who were waiting to be shipped home. These 4 months gave Mum a passion for dance. She also formed a precious lifelong friendship with Lois who she met while in England. Mum was CO or Commanding Officer to her grandchildren.

Mum was an avid bridge player with the Kamloops Heritage Bridge Club. She valued the good company and challenging games 3 times a week.

She was a compassionate person with great empathy and so supported the Children’s Hospital, New Life Mission, Salvation Army, and RIH so that others could live a better life as she was able to do.

Mum led a good life and expected those she loved to do likewise. She was not a religious person but found strength in family, poetry and song. Louis Armstrong was one of her favourite musicians.

The following poem was framed and on display in our home for as long as I can remember. It was a daily reminder for Mum and us as to how we should be living our lives. To the end she was concerned about those around her and what she could do to help.

A Prayer For Every Day

by Mary Carolyn Davies

Make me too brave to lie or be unkind.

Make me too understanding, too, to mind

The little hurts companions give, and friends,

The careless hurts that no one quite intends.

Make me too thoughtful to hurt others so.

Help me to know

The inmost hearts of those for whom I care,

Their secret wishes, all the loads they bear,

That I may add my courage to their own.

May I make lonely folks feel less alone,

And happy ones a little happier yet.

May I forget

What ought to be forgotten; and recall

Unfailing, all

That ought to be recalled, each kindly thing,

Forgetting what might sting.

To all upon my way,

Day after day,

Let me be joy, be hope! Let my life sing!

Mum, you were the greatest and we’ll miss you terribly. But when a raindrop or snowflake touches our face, or the wind tussles our hair we will know that it is you keeping watch and just checking up on us all. It’s a new journey. you can fly wherever you wish -without a pilot’s licence now!

We’d like to thank Dr. Van Zyl, Dr. Bishop and the dedicated, professional and caring nurses and staff of RIH’s Emergency Dept. and 7 North.

There will be Celebration of Life in late summer.

As per request no service; no flowers; if you wish donate to a charity.