Our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Aileen “Annabelle” McDonald (nee Corriveau), passed away suddenly on September 1, 2009 at her home in Salmon Arm, BC. Annabelle grew up at Pacheno Point where her father was a radio operator with the Canadian Government Radio Service. After his passing, the family relocated to Agassiz, where her mother Corri pioneered the telephone. Annabelle grew up amidst the hustle and bustle of BC Telephone operators; the hub of the community. In later years, she would find employment there.
During the forties, she met Ken McDonald and the two eloped. A homemaker and mother of two, Annabelle eventually joined Ken at the Rexall Drug store. It was a proud day when they opened Ken’s Pharmacy, where Annabelle continued to work after the passing of her husband.
Annabelle was an active volunteer with youth in the community through the Girl Guide movement, Anglican Church Young People’s Group, and later, Catechism classes at Seabird Island. She was generous with her time and always willing to help others.
She had a passion for knitting, swimming and working in her garden. She was happiest when she was spending time with her grandchildren and her trusted companion, Benjamin, her cat. Annabelle took great pride in her recent train trip across Canada to spend time with her great grandchildren.
After much consideration, Annabelle sold the home she and Ken had built together. She relocated to Salmon Arm to be closer to family.
Annabelle was predeceased by her parents, Flora and Hector Corriveau, her brother, Arthur and her husband, Kenneth McDonald. She is dearly missed by her daughters, Heather McDonald, Salmon Arm and Margaret Peterson (Don), North Bay, ON; grandchildren, Kristinn Peterson-Brazeau (Dan), North Bay, Courtney Peterson Hechter (Brandon), Las Vegas, Nevada, Lindsay Favell, New Westminster BC, Sean Wilson, Salmon Arm; and great grandchildren, Jordan Orlow and Lauren Brazeau, North Bay.
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Service, Salmon Arm