Arlene passed away peacefully Tuesday October 20, 2009 at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in Salmon Arm. She was 74 years old.
Arlene was born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, April 25, 1935, the 3rd of 4 children to Olaf and Johanne Grelland. She is predeceased by her brother Richard Grelland and survived by her sisters Ruth (Bob) McCulloch, Joan (Jerry) Purdum and sister-in-law Chris Grelland. Arlene leaves behind her loving companion of 52 years, Jim Wardrop, and their children, Karen (David) Godfrey, Maryanne (Darren) Cameron, Ian (Jennifer) Wardrop, and Stephen (Berthe) Wardrop. She will always be remembered for her bright smiles and warm hugs by her 12 grandchildren, Matthew, Nathan, Todd, Andrea, Lorren, Samantha, Timothy, Connor, Allison, Emma, Ashley, and Elizabeth.
Arlene pursued nursing after graduating from Prince Albert Collegiate. Shortly after meeting her future husband in Vancouver, she packed up and moved to Burnaby. After marrying in 1956, Arlene has lived in Burnaby, Port Alice, Boston Bar, and Salmon Arm. In 1974 she and her husband purchased the Gardom Lake Rest Home, which they managed until their retirement in 1997. Arlene was always involved in the health care community promoting quality care for seniors. She also loved music, singing with the Shuswap Singers for many years. She was always active in her church sharing her Christian beliefs through dedicated service to many.
The family expresses their thanks to the caring staff of Shuswap Lake General Hospital. A funeral service was held Saturday October 24, 2009 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salmon Arm and her ashes were interred at Mt. Ida Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers a memorial donation should be made to the Heart & Stroke or Diabetes foundations.
Arrangements entrusted to FISCHER’S FUNERAL SERVICES & CREMATORIUM LTD., Salmon Arm (250) 833-1129, E-mail condolences at www.fischersfuneralservices.com or fischers@sunwave.net.