The eyes have it! Anny (“Uhnie”), left us on Jan 9 after 96 1/2 years of living life on her terms. Anny left Eindhoven (The Netherlands) in 1955 on one of the early transatlantic flights and landed in Montreal where she boarded a train to Kamloops. Anny’s brother received her and they drove the gravel road to Williams Lake where she began the next chapter of her life in a new land with freedom and opportunity. The contrast of this cattle and lumber town with wooden sidewalks and gravel roads compared to the social and historical developed Eindhoven was never lost on Anny. But it was the hardy and fun-loving people with never a dull moment that made her truly happy. In fact, so happy it was ironic she met and fell in love with Gerrit van Soest. Together they started their own family and had three sons.

Anny loved being from the Cariboo and all it stood for with its vast wilderness and beautiful lakes and mountains. Anny saw a lot of changes in our world since 1925 and along the way she learned to filter out the distractions and focus on common sense. She was never a person to avoid the truth or forget to remind you to manage your personal credibility and she set the example. Foremost, Anny loved her family through thick and thin and was proud of everyone’s accomplishments. She was a sport minded woman and enjoyed cross country skiing, curling, and snowmobiling but it was the sport of golfing where she found her peer group. We miss you mom…rest in peace.

Anny leaves behind her: Children (and Spouses): Henry (Susan), Garry (Christina), Gregory (Heather) Siblings (and Spouses): Franciscus Henricus Antonius (Diedre) van de Gender, Elisabeth (Fritz) Driessen, Henricus Johannes Antonius (Helen) Gender, Arnoldina Henriette Petronella (Wilhelmus Cornelis) de Goeij Parents: Godefridus Johannes van de Gender, Dimphena Helena Maria van de Gender-Louwers Grandparents: Franciscus van de Gender and Maria van de Loo, Hendrik Willem Louwers and Maria Elisabeth van Hout Grandchildren: Michelle van Soest, Michael van Soest, Kaila van Soest, Ryan van Soest, Francesca van Soest, Katrina van Soest, Gerrit van Soest Nieces/Nephews: Dimphena Christina (Gerard) van de Goeij Lentz, Joannus Joseph de Goeij, Mieke Letitia van de Gender, Philip van de Gender, Huub Driessen, Fien Driessen-Boon, Diana Driessen, Marianne Driessen

Preceded in Death by: Gerrit van Soest (husband), Elisabeth Driessen (sister), Henricus Gender (brother), Helen Gender (sister in law), Franciscus van de Gender (brother), Frits Driessen (brother in law), Wilhelmus de Goeij (brother in law), Diedre Watson-van de Gender (sister in law), Philip van de Gender (nephew), Huub Driessen (nephew), Diana Driessen (niece).

A private graveside burial for family and close friends will be held on July 19th, 2022 at Williams Lake Cemetery at 11:00 AM. Anny’s family wishes to thank the nurses and doctors at Williams Lake and Kamloops hospitals for their compassion, understanding, and amazing professionalism in their administration of medical care.

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250-554-2577

It is with much sadness, we announce that Brian Ernest Thompson, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2022, at the age of 91 with his wife Elenore by his side. Brian was born in Vanguard, Saskatchewan on Oct. 30, 1930.

Left to mourn are his daughter Sonchyne, his sons, Kevin (Verne) and Rodney (Sara), and their families. In his marriage to Elenore Allen, her three daughters, Marni, Claire (David) and Catherine (Steve) joined the family. Brian was blessed to have ten grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Brian is also survived by his brothers, Al (Vera) Thompson, Matthew Thompson and sister, Lillian Sevcik.

Brian’s faith in Jesus Christ was all important to him. He was a man who loved God, his family, siblings and his fellowman.

Brian was cared for with dignity and concern by Dr. Thomasse and the time he spent at RIH, Ponderosa Lodge, and the last three plus years in the Gemstone Care Centre.

A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 9, 2022 at 1:00 pm at the Kamloops Alliance Church, 233 Fortune Drive.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
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250-554-2577

It is with heavy hearts that we said goodbye to our loving mom & Nonna our PATRIARCH at the age of 96.

On June 3, 2022, our beloved Mother, Venise (Vincenza) Assunta Sirianni (nee Fuoco) was welcomed home by God.  Venise leaves to mourn her deeply are her sons, Ralph (Sandy) and Frank. Nonna will also be missed greatly by her beloved grandchildren, Ryan (Brooke) and Melissa (Troy Lust) and her great grandchildren, Danilo and Danika Sirianni and Mia and Bentley Lust.

Venise was predeceased by her husband, Eugene (Gino) Sirianni, her son Donald (Anne), Sister Dora Fuoco, Mother and Father Francesca and Raffaele Fuoco.

Venise was born in Colosimi, Italy, on August 13 1925, Venise with her mother, father and sister Dora emigrated to Canada in 1939 at the age 13 years old. Mom described her childhood as simple but filled with love and happiness. Venise graduated from St. Ann’s Academy Commercial School as a stenographer in 1945.

Mom and Dad were married in Sacred Heart Cathedral in Kamloops, BC, on June 22, 1949. Mom’s first job was at the Forestry Department and then United Dairies. However, the job she took the most pleasure in was being a Wife, Mother to her boys Grandmother and Great Grandmother

Catholic faith with a strong devotion  and she was a life-long member of the Catholic Womens’ League until health issues prevented her participation. Mom was a founding Member of the Can-Ital Ladies Society and held the position of Treasurer for many years. Mom also was a Little Flower Society member and spending many happy times with Dad at the Columbo Hall.

The Sirianni family would like to thank Dr. Wilson and Laura for their outstanding care of our mother, the Staff at RIH on 5 South and Interior Home Care aids and Ninas for their compassion and care of Mom during her time at home and for being such good friends to Mom.

Prayers will be recited at Sacred Heart Cathedral at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 12, 2022 and the funeral will commence at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 13, 2022, conducted by Father Fred Weisbeck.

Entombment to follow at the Sage Valley Mausoleum .

Donations in lieu of flowers to the BC Lung Foundation.

Condolences may be sent to the family from

www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Betty Harrison announce her passing, surrounded by her loving family at Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House.

Left to mourn are her three children: Debbie, Audrey Harrison of Kamloops, son Rick (Liza) of Redwater, AB. Five grandchildren: Brandon Bishop (Alexandra), great granddaughter Eva of Quebec, Devon Bishop (Deanna), great granddaughter June of Kamloops, Travis Avramovic (Lindsay) of Okotoks, AB, Lindsay and Derek Harrison of Redwater, AB.

Predeceased by her husband Jim in August 2015 and grandson Connor Avramovic, September 2011.

Betty was born in Hazelton, BC and raised in Terrace, BC.

She met our father at a baseball game May long weekend in 1957, from there on, they became an “item”! They married November 1, 1958, the following September Debbie was born in Kamloops. Audrey was born in Terrace in 1964, followed 21 months later with the birth of Rick in Prince George.

Family meant the world to Mom, she was very proud of the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Mom hosted many family dinners most often cooking a turkey followed by a fabulous dessert! There were always good treats and baking in Granny’s kitchen. Mom was a hard worker, and kept a beautiful home, cooking, baking, gardening and canning.

She worked in retail, then at Overlander Extendicare Hospital as an Activity Aide, until retirement. Mom and Dad loved to travel, taking many bus tours (she didn’t like flying) and cruises or getaways in the car to visit family and friends throughout British Columbia and Alberta.

She was a member of the Excelsior Rebekah Lodge 23 serving as their Chaplain and for a time, as their District Deputy President. She enjoyed her time as a Rebekah forging many lasting friendships.

Mom’s health deteriorated steadily in these last few months. She didn’t want to leave us, but knew she couldn’t stay. There will a big void in our family, we will miss her immensely.

We would like to thank first responders, the staff at Royal Inland Hospital Emergency Dept, 7 North, and the staff at Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House, for their compassionate care of our Mother and Grandmother. A special thank you to family and friends who had her in their thoughts and prayers and to Minister LeAnn Blackert for making a special trip from Kelowna to see her – this meant the world to her.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the Chapel at the Kamloops Funeral Home on Saturday, October 8^th at 2:00pm with Reverend Emily Cooke Officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes to Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Hospice House in Betty’s memory would be greatly appreciated.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577

Eldon (Daryl) Smeeton was a gentle, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He passed away peacefully on May 24, 2022 leaving his family with a lifetime of wonderful memories.

Daryl was predeceased by his parents Mildred and Ed, 10 of 11 siblings, his son, Brian and grandson, Devon. Left to mourn his passing are his wife of 61 years, Sharon, son Ed (Antoniette) and daughter Deborah and brother Gord, grandchildren Daryl (Lindsey), Derrick (Jessica), Olivia (Shak) and Tyler and their father Jeff as well as Brian’s partner Coney, Great Grandchildren Liam, Saylor, Zirayah, Deacon and Savanna as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Daryl was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan February 21^st 1940. He was the 7th of the 11 children. He met Sharon – the love of his life and best friend in 1954 and the two were together ever after. The two travelled throughout BC, Dawson City and to South America as they followed Daryl’s work. He was a winchman on the gold dredges. The family eventually settled in Kamloops, BC to continue raising their children. After their children were grown, Daryl and Sharon became foster parents to kids with special needs which brought them great joy before making the difficult decision to fully retire.

Daryl and Sharon were “snowbirds” and travelled to Arizona every winter for 3 years where they made many friends. In the summers they visited with their children and their families. Daryl’s favourite past time was spending time with Sharon. The two were near constant companions and never tired of each others company.

Daryl was deeply loved and a friend to all he met. No one ever had a bad word to say about him. He truly was a sweet man. He will be greatly missed by his family who were blessed beyond measure to have him as a partner, parent and grandparent.

The Smeeton family would like to thank Dr. Amanda Bosman, Interior Health Care Aides and the staff at Royal Inland Hospital who provided exceptional care under difficult circumstances.

In lieu of flowers donations in Daryl’s name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or in support of Dementia and Alzheimer’s research would be gratefully appreciated.

Condolences may be sent to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com
250-554-2577