Anna passed in Port Coquitlam, at the age of 91.

Anna was born in Bukovina, Romania in 1932 to parents Johanna and Johan. Her childhood was unsettled by moving from Romania to resettlement camps in Austria, Germany, and Silesia (both losing and separated from two of her three brothers). Her family eventually settled in Poland where she studied music and later worked as a store manager in Lidzbark Warminskii where she met her future husband, Ted. They immigrated to Canada in 1961 with their eldest son George residing first in Vancouver and then in Maple Ridge from 1977 until 2018.

Anna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She welcomed and opened her heart and home to so many. Devoted to family, she lived alongside her husband Tadeusz, for over 65 years and together they created a beautiful family. Anna is survived by her three children George (Brita), Dorothy (Guy), and John (Sandra), eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother, father, brother Louis, Adam (Nancy), August and her beloved husband Ted.

Together, they enjoyed country living and their large property where family and friends would gather each weekend and special occasions to eat, sing, and laugh together. Anna loved cooking, gardening, sewing, weaving, crocheting, singing, dancing, and taking care of her farm animals.

Most of all Anna loved her family, regularly hosting large gatherings including copious amounts of food that she cooked herself for days. She opened her door to all, especially spontaneous visits to share a cup of coffee or long chats, Christmas always included a friend or stranger that needed a place to go.

Anna was a resourceful and resilient woman. She survived the war, a serious accident, and more recently Covid twice. She never wasted anything and recycled far before it became standard practice. She had the most loving, fun-loving spirit, she was up to trying anything, foods, sports, games, and adventures.

She travelled the world, accompanying Ted on his project assignments to the U.S. and Canadian Cities where they would live for 2 years at a time. Also, re-visiting Romania, Poland, Germany, and the Philippines to see family.

Anna’s last few years of life were spent at Hawthorne Care Facility where the staff (who took care of her so well and gently) enjoyed her great sense of humour and lively wit. We will all miss her tremendously.

Celebration of Life to honour Anna on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont St, Coquitlam, B.C.

Lyle, as he was known to family and friends, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the age of 69 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born to Alexander and Erline Fahlman in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1953. He moved to B.C. with his family in 1959 and grew up in Richmond.  After he graduated from Steveston Secondary School, he lived in Tsawwassen and Richmond before settling in Surrey.

He worked at Richmond Plywood and Woodward’s Warehouse before beginning his career with the airlines.  He started in the commissary department driving trucks for CP Air before moving to the ramp at Vancouver International Airport. He enjoyed his years as a Station Attendant for CP Air/Air Canada where he retired after 40 years of service in May 2020. Lyle was passionate about his job and his co-workers.

Lyle loved to work on classic cars with his sons and took pride in passing on his mechanical knowledge and skills as his father had done with him.  He enjoyed attending car shows where he would check out each and every car. He was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed watching Formula 1 racing too.  In 2016, he was fortunate enough to have attended the historic 100^th running of the Indianapolis 500, an experience he said “He would never forget!” He loved to travel in the family motorhome, and travelled all around the United States.  In later years, he always looked forward to spending time away camping and relaxing at Birch Bay.

Lyle will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years Judy, sons Travis and Erik (Sarah) and grandchildren Petra and Sebastian. His brothers Dwayne (Katharine), Dennis (Scott), Greg, Leonard and Kevin (Karen) and sister Orianna, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Lorna (Mike) and brother Leland Fahlman.

Lyle’s wife and family are so very grateful to the N51 Medical Oncology nursing staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital for the care, kindness and compassion shown during this difficult time.

To honour the life of Lyle, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 24^th at Deer Lake School, 5550 Gilpin Street, Burnaby.

A private graveside service will take place at Garden of Gethsemani Cemetery, 15694 32nd Avenue, Surrey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation or Surrey Hospital Foundation https://www.surreyhospitalsfoundation.com/

Cory was born to Brenda Barry and Wallace Phillips, following close on the heels of his brother and sister and was raised in the lower mainland. His paternal grandparents had a hand in raising him; he told stories of the tall stilts his granddad made for him, and how granddad taught him to ride a too-big bike in the driveway by building a special step to launch from and land on, before his feet could reach the ground.

His high school days took him to 9 different schools in 5 years; he came out of that with a love of punk rock and some solid friends like Aaron, who stuck by him for the rest of his life. With his mother’s discerning taste, and his father’s sense of humour he made his own way in the world.

Through early adulthood he tried his hand at many a career, resting for a while at a cedar mill, where he trained to be a lumber grader, driving construction waste roll-off bin trucks, professional moving crew foreman, …and Tim Hortons drive-through clerk, not in that order.

After some dark years following his mother’s death he reconnected with friends and family in recovery. From that point onward, healing and seeking became the compass of his life. He grew a spiritual and meditative practice that ebbed and flowed through the rest of his life.

Through his seeking he found the VCC program in counseling which led to outreach work in the downtown east side. This work fed his soul for his last 12 years. He brought his whole self to work with community members in need, meeting them where they were at, whether it was finding permanent housing, a spot in detox, a bed for the night, a coffee, or a good laugh. He listened when others would not, and let people know they mattered.

At age 44 he met Claire at a meditation centre, and at 47 became a father to Monte. She lit up his world; he was wholly taken by her presence, and their connection was deep and genuine. He was a fun and playful daddy, always up for a game of hide and seek, or “scary Harry.” His pancake breakfast was unparalleled, and he would regularly serenade her with his guitar.

His last years also presented him with some difficult mental health challenges and to manage he turned to a rigorous spiritual practice of his own making. He’d often prepare for challenging times with meditation, smudging, and Portuguese hymns, sitting on his cushion sometimes for hours at a time. He found solace in the sun, on his bike and by the water: he was solar powered, ever youthful, and never wore a drop of sunscreen.

He will be dearly missed by his daughter Monte, partner Claire, brother Adrian, sister Kim, best friend Aaron and countless cousins, nieces, family and friends.

Born in Lowmans, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Carmelita migrated to London, England in 1957 before coming to Canada in 1969, making her home first in New Westminster, B.C. She then made her way to Toronto, ON, and then to Montreal, QC, before returning to Port Coquitlam, B.C., where she spent her final years lovingly tending to her vibrant and luscious garden, with the help of many wonderful neighbours.

As a member, for many years, in her community church choirs, her cheerful and radiant soul was seemingly contagious to everyone around her when she would beautifully sing all her favourite hymns and songs. Her youthful spirit shone the most when she would dance and party the night away and get everyone around her to feel the power of the beat of the music. Carmelita was widowed in 2012 after 53 years of marriage to Stephen Adolphis Osborne. Carmelita was daughter to Matilda Fraser & Conrad Davis, and sister to 13 siblings: Vena, Belle, Nopsie, Ivor, Aneta, Raymon, Barbara, Gail, Valentine, Jeffrey, Cynthia, Cyril and Yvone.

She leaves behind her 2 children, Angela & Tony, as well as her grandchildren Tyson, Omari, Chanelle & Honesty, and great grandchildren Isaiah, Tatiana, Kaiya & Tyson Jr. It must also be stated that the list of others that called her mom is endless.

Funeral to honour Carmelita on Saturday, June 17th at Como Lake United, 535 Marmont St., Coquitlam. (Please note this address, as it has changed recently.) Visitation at 12:00 pm. Funeral at 1:00 pm

Laura was born in Oberndorf, Germany but she grew up in Madrid, Spain and moved to Vancouver, Canada as a teenager. She was raised by her parents Ingrid Renate Bergmann and Juan Consuegra Segura along with her brother Jorge Consuegra.

Laura loved to travel to warm places where she could experience their culture, their food and their music. She loved dancing and you could often find her in a beautiful dress and amazing heels twirling away at one of her favorite Latin spots throughout the city; her smile and energy captivating those around her. On quiet days, you would most likely find her with a book, a cup of tea and a cozy blanket, escaping into the latest novel she was enjoying.

Laura worked at Dexter Realty for 29 years, where she loved her colleagues, and they gave her that same amount of love right back. She made life-long friends there and considered many to be family. She was always so grateful to David for being like a second father to her.

Laura was a lover of cats throughout her life, and she is now reunited with Chuna, Xena and Luna. She leaves behind Reina, Simba, Blanca and Leo. Over the past few years, she also discovered her love of dogs when Blu came into her life and stole her heart.

Laura was a truly bright light who, although a little shy at first, had an uncanny ability to connect with anyone around her, always knowing what to say to make people feel at ease. Her laughter was contagious, her glamour unmatched, her beauty glowed both inside and out.

Laura leaves a beautiful legacy behind in her three children: Sergio, Vanessa and Monica. She is also survived by her loving partner Gabriel; her father Juan and his wife Sonia; her brother Jorge; her former husband but eternal friend Marcus; her sister-in-law Ana, mother-in-law Vera and father-in-law Carlos; and by the set of girlfriends, she considered to be her chosen sisters.

Laura was predeceased by her beautiful and doting mother Ingrid.

A Celebration of Life to honour Laura will be held on Sunday, May 28 starting at 3:00 pm at Mangos, 1180 Howe St, Vancouver.

Please bring printed photos of Laura for the family to create a special photo album afterwards.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mary in Maple Ridge on March 14, 2023.

Mary was born in England to John and Rhoda Scambler, they moved to Australia until she was eight years old and then moved back to England. She had one sister and four brothers, and a favourite pet cow named Bluey. She joined the navy when she was nineteen years old, where she met her husband Ken. They had son Michael and a daughter Anne, then moved to Canada when Michael was six years old. Mary traveled throughout Canada, as well as Hawaii and Reno many times. She enjoyed walking, gardening, reading, sewing, baking and crossword puzzles.

After her husbands passing she moved in with her sister and they lived together for many years. She was very family oriented and had a great sense of humor with her (cheeky) brothers who loved to tease her and her sister. Eventually, Mary moved in with her sister at her niece Irene’s home. We would like to express our gratitude to Irene for opening her home to them.
Predeceased by her daughter Anne, husband Ken, son Michael, sister Doreen, and brothers John, Ron, and Eric.

Survived by her brother William (Irma), sisters-in-law Wendy and Linda, daughter-in-law Barb, grandchildren Bill, Julie and Dan, great grandchildren Ryan, Heather and Kaylee, great great grandchild Walker, as well as many extended family members.

Celebration to honour Mary on Saturday, April 15 at 1:00 pm at St. Luke’s Parish Hall, 20285 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge.

Marguerite passed away March 14, 2023, in Burnaby, B.C. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in Summerland B.C. Marguerite was the eldest child of Cyrilla and John Menu. At age 16 she was named Miss Summerland and was always so proud of this achievement.

After high school, Marguerite entered nursing school at St. Paul’s Hospital. During this time, she fell in love with her husband Murray White from Penticton, and she married him in 1957. They moved to Port Moody for a few years but settled in beautiful Kelowna to continue to raise their family. Marguerite and Murray operated and owned a care home, Crestwood Lodge Rest Home in Kelowna. She also worked on call at Cotton Woods Care Facility for a few years.

Marguerite was fond of puttering in her vegetable garden, alongside her sweet dog Charlie. The family were her pride and joy. She loved them unconditionally. Marguerite was an excellent cook and baker, and hosted large family dinners whenever possible. Marguerite was a member of the Kelowna Jaycees, where she made many lifelong friends. Marguerite’s Catholic faith was an important part of her life. After her husband passed away, Marguerite met another wonderful man named Elgin Gregory, whom she married. She was blessed with kind, loving and patient men in her lifetime.

Predeceased by her brother Eddie Menu (Carolyn). Marguerite is survived by siblings, Irene Mundie, Patricia White (Willis), Johnny Menu (Penny), Arthur Menu (Alanna), Joseph Menu and many loving nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her three daughters, Diane (Tom), Karen (John), Michelle (Rob), and son David. She leaves behind her grandchildren Jennifer, Nicole, Kara, Courtney, Maya, Miles, Ava, Justine, Adam, and great grandchildren. Marguerite leaves behind her stepchildren as well, a special mention to Sloan Gregory.

The family would like to thank the staff at Normanna Care Home in Burnaby for their excellent care, love, prayers and support they provided to Marguerite and her children. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. or Normanna Care Home. https://alzheimer.ca/en/take-action/make-your-donation-today or https://normanna.ca/fundraising-and-donations/

Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 10:30 am at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 9387 Holmes St., Burnaby. Interment on Monday, March 27th, 2023, at 10:00am at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave., Kelowna.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce her passing at Peace Arch Memorial Hospital, in White Rock, B.C., on March 5th, at the age of 93.

Stephanie was born in Ukraine and came to Canada in 1930 as a baby with her parents and two older brothers. They were raised on a farm in Bowmanville, Ontario where she learned to love everything about nature: flowers, trees, animals, birds and just being outdoors.

She chose teaching as a career after graduating from McMaster University in 1953. After her marriage in 1957 she moved to British Columbia with her husband Ralph Tortorelli, who was a teacher and later a principal. Stephanie taught and then became a Librarian in the school systems in Mission, Quesnel, and Lillooet.

After retiring and moving to White Rock in the mid 70’s Stephanie spent endless hours creating a beautiful floral garden at their home in Ocean Park. She loved the variety of birds who visited her birdfeeders and enjoyed canning and baking with the fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden. She also enjoyed making her own wine, was an excellent cook, and made the best apple pies!

Stephanie loved reading, gardening, bridge, sewing, crocheting, enjoyed drawing and painting as a way to express her love of nature. She painted in oils and watercolour, adding beautiful artwork to her journals to document her many trips abroad in her later years such as; a garden tour in England, an opera tour in Italy, a safari in Africa, as well as travel to Japan, China and a cruise around the tip of South America to the Galapagos Islands to mention a few.

Stephanie always had a very positive outlook on life, enjoyed her time spent with her friends and family and new people she met on her treasured adventures. Stephanie enjoyed her retirement home at Westminster House and appreciated the caring staff and the opportunity to take part in the art classes, concerts, and all lovely activities the kind staff provided. Stephanie was very loved by all who met her and her time with each of us will be treasured always.

Predeceased by her husband Ralph Tortorelli, her mother and her father Ivan and Tacianna Bonk, brothers Sam, (wife Anne) and Michael Bonk. Stephanie will be fondly remembered by her sister-in-law, Pat Bonk, her nieces and nephew, their families, and the surviving members of the Tortorelli family.

In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. or B.C. Cancer Foundation. https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/take-action/donate/donate-memory-honour or https://bccancerfoundation.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwn9CgBhDjARIsAD15h0AEfVkX47ZoAjq2LBOtW2i0RhJ5XgUhuJfc_DskXuU5W51a0gna5SQaAsHLEALw_wcB

Heart-centric, eccentric, and exceptional father, husband, son, and friend Alex Coombes has left us with his final riddle. Alex passed away in his sleep on Valentine’s Day at the age of 41, leaving his cherished family and devoted friends in shared grief. He was wholly unique in his capacity for knowledge, humour, and kindness and the world has lost a brilliant and incomparable man.

Alex Coombes was born in August 1981 and spent his childhood in North Vancouver. Switching to Downtown’s ‘City School’ in his teen years proved pivotal, and he credited the program with focusing his quirky and energetic intellect. He met Caitlin in 2004 while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at UBC Geography, and the two were instantly and inseparably lovestruck. After a year-long sojourn in Beijing, Alex completed his Bachelor of Law at the University of Alberta in 2009, and true to form pursued tax law as he viewed it as the most challenging legal field. Alex embraced the mental game over the material gains of law. An accomplished lawyer, he became legal counsel for the Government of B.C. in 2021. He distinguished himself early in his career, but eventually eschewed the long hours of private practice to spend more time with his family and volunteering to better his community. Quality time with his sons was his highest resolve and greatest joy. Alex also committed himself to volunteer duties in the community, including Pro Bono legal work, Board Member and Coach with the Port Moody Soccer Club, and sitting on Port Moody’s Heritage Commission and Transportation Committee. He worked tenaciously to protect children’s well-being, successfully campaigning to have traffic calming devices placed in front of the local elementary school and advocating for children whose family homes were being demolished. A committed and passionate citizen, he was just getting started in his quest to enhance public life.

Alex was a gifted polymath with boundless curiosity and creativity. From Pyongyang to Port Moody, punk rock to public service, he delighted in wholly throwing himself into the arena. It was impossible not to share in his sense of wonder when in his company. His commitment to learning was matched by a moral sense of action, to be in the constant practice of personal growth and improving conditions for family, friends, community, and beyond. It was this combination of intellect, empathy, and ethical purpose that endeared him to all who knew him. A brilliant wordsmith in letters and oration, he had an uncanny ability to fold complex concepts into hilarious anecdotes. Alex ran up mountains, his mind was oceanic, and his heart was like the sun. Whether embracing the many subcultures of his youth, or his increasingly active roles in community work and local politics in recent times, his transformation as a family man and engaged citizen was always undergirded by a resolve to defend the vulnerable and create a sense of belonging for all. Already vastly accomplished, we can only imagine what incredible impacts he would have made with more time.

Alex is survived by his wife beloved Caitlin; His sons Wyatt and Theo; His mother Carolyn and stepfather Blaine; loyal beasts Henry and Evil Meow Meow. His nieces Ellie, Esmae and Reya. Nephew Wesley. Mother-in-law Sheren and father-in-law Richard (Faye). Brothers-in-law Eric (Anna) and Paul (Melissa). Uncles Tom, Chris and Mike. Cousins Nick, Grace, Sean, Kaitlin, and Laura. Lifelong friend Alasdair. And a cadre of extended family, friends, and colleagues who transcend all lifeworlds in society.

Recently predeceased by his cousin Todd.
In lieu of flowers, Alex’s family is accepting donations to help them through this tumultuous time.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/alex-coombes-in-support-of-his-family?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR0niptMmnMAKPTg-y4Mng_zDLWPyCTkScZAXCFiT2Q0PRtqWHzyF_YBUtk

Celebration to honour Alex on Sunday, April 2 at 3:00 pm at (UBC) Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, 6163 University Blvd, Vancouver. Doors open at 2:15 pm.

Helpful information about the venue and parking:

https://alumnicentre.ubc.ca/visit-us/

Desiree was born in Regina, Saskatchewan into a large loving family; she was raised by her mother Shirley. Desiree spent her young adult years in Winnipeg, where she found herself becoming an exceptionally outgoing and caring person. She loved going out and meeting new people and made instant friends wherever she went. As a proud Libra, she strived for life balance, found compromise important and tried to keep peace in her life as much as possible. She was an extremely empathetic person. As a loving mother of 5 children, she was good at organizing and controlling the chaos. She loved to be heard, she was always chatting people’s ears off. Her love for cooking, inspired by her mother, was a constant joy in her life; she’d often make her famous “oxtail” for her family and friends.

Desiree’s favourite thing to do was to get out of the city and explore; she loved hiking, going on walks around the sea wall and picking up new plants to pot. It has always been her form of solace.

Survived by, her children; Fabien Marcus Luther Lyde, Malcolm David Joseph Lyde, Sasha-Marie Mahogany Lyde, Keisha-Anastasia Gail Lyde and Moses Clifton Lyde and her siblings; Paul Panton, Karlene Lewis, Patrick Neufville, Sharon Allen, Claudia Allen and many more family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date TBA.

However, those wishing to offer condolences and pay their respect to the family, may join us for a Viewing on Tuesday, February 21st at  5:00 pm at Jubilee United Church (New Location) 6000 Sussex Ave., Burnaby.