January 13, 1930 - January 25, 2019
Mom was born in Edmonton January 13, 1930 and grew up with three wonderful, rambunctious brothers at the family lumber mill in Antross and then Edmonton. In mom's late teens the family moved to the Vernon area, where she worked and was a member of the Vernon Girls Trumpet Band. While visiting Edmonton she met and fell in love with a handsome young man from Toronto, named George. Soon after they were married and had two children, John and Gail. During this time, mom became involved with Beta Sigma Phi which became an important part of her life. Eight years later, George a salesman at Harrison & Crossfield was made the branch manager in Montreal. There, Mom stayed very active with Beta Sigma Phi and also became involved with the McKay Centre For Deaf & Crippled Children where Her son, who had Dushane Muscular Dystrophy attended. Mom worked tirelessly over the years, raising money for the school and Muscular Dystrophy and devoted herself to taking care of John for twenty years.
In her early forties, Mom reentered the workforce, enjoying many years working for the Bay buying department in Montreal and Toronto. Mom and Dad retired in Vernon in 1986 to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren. They enjoyed many wonderful years here, until George passed away in 1999. Mom struggled to find happiness without him, while also battling breast cancer. However, being the very strong and feisty lady, she was, on a holiday in 2004, mom found and purchased a little slice of paradise on the ocean in Qualicum. She enjoyed her time there until 2011, when she was diagnosed with dementia. She returned to Vernon to be with family and friends, and her 2 great grandchildren, that she adored! Recently Mom's breast cancer returned, and God put his loving arms around her and took her to rest and to be united with her loved ones on January 25 2019.
Rene was predeceased by her son John (1979),her husband George ( 1999), her brothers Bill, Ces and George. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Gail, her husband Blair, grandchildren Ashleigh and Brady and great grandchildren Niah and Hudson. In respecting Rene's wishes, she was cremated, and a small family service will be held in the spring.