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Esther McKay (Crews) passed away peacefully February 15, 2008, in Bastion Place, Salmon Arm, BC.

Mom was born the youngest of three girls, November 16, 1916 in Lashburn, Saskatchewan to Jenny and Ben Crews. Her connection to her childhood home remained strong and until her health began to fail her, would make yearly visits to family that remained there. Mom married Dad, Oliver McKay in 1947. They resided in Alberta until his death in 1980. Mom then packed up her bags and moved to BC. She always adored the Salmon Arm area and was extremely happy when she was able to move here. She often commented on the natural beauty of the countryside and the lake. Mom loved animals, especially horses, and her room was a reflection of this love. It was filled to the brim with ceramics, pictures and stuffed toys. She was often disgruntled she could not have more “stuff” and somehow would always find a way to add just one more item.

Mom is survived by her son, Barry (Beverly) McKay of Alberta and daughter, Pat (Robert) Hermanrude of Salmon Arm; grandchildren, Melissa, Michelle and Michael and several nieces and nephews. She was often sad and lonely that she was the only one left remaining of her family. The staff at Pioneer Lodge, then Bastion Place became her surrogate family. We want to thank everyone: the cooks who made special treats for her, the nurses, care aides and the physiotherapists that took such good care of her. We also want to thank all the office, maintenance and recreational staff. Her door was always open, and she loved the visits from everyone, their lives becoming a part of her life. Everyone became one of her children. Often she would cry about someone who was going through a particularly hard time or she would laugh about a new grandchild or some other happy event that had occurred. We want to offer an extra special thank you to her beloved Brenda. Thank you also to Dr. Wood. She is no longer in pain.

A visitation will be held at Bowers Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 20, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. with a graveside service to follow at Mount Ida Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family are requesting donations in memory of

Esther be made to the Shuswap SPCA, Box 883, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4N9.

Email condolences may be sent to

sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com

Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Service, Salmon Arm.



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