February 2, 1936 - December 17, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
Mom was born on February 2, 1936, at the family property near Ranger, Saskatchewan, the second daughter to John and Martha Altmeyer. She came to B.C. as a young child, living in White Rock and Penticton before the family settled in Enderby.
She attended Springbend School and graduated from the Enderby High School as Valedictorian. After graduation, Mom went to business college in Vernon and her first job was at Cominco in Trail.
She married Gordon Andrews of Canoe in 1956 and became a stay-at-home mom after the birth of the first of her six children, returning to work after the youngest started school in Williams Lake.
She enjoyed working and her career in business administration had her work for the Williams Lake School District, Enderby Hospital, Chase and District Health Centre and Canadian Mental Health in Salmon Arm, from which she retired at the mandatory retirement age. She always told us that she didn't want to retire but was told that she had to.
But her biggest source of pride were her six children. We would get together every year, whoever could make it. Although Mom hadn't been able to come the past few years, we continue to have the annual Easter family weekend.
Mom enjoyed square dancing, golf, curling, gardening, puzzles, crocheting and knitting. She was known for knitting many toques that were sent overseas to children in need. She even knitted toques one year for all of her grandson's hockey team, some of whom still wear have them twenty years later.
Mom passed away with family by her side on December 17, 2024, at Mountain Lake Senior Community in Nelson, B.C. where she had lived for the past four years. While there she participated in activities such as gardening, bingo (which she said she would never play) and anything musical.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Martha Altmeyer, her first husband Gordon Andrews, her brother, Raymond Altmeyer, great-granddaughter Melanie Andrews and son-in-law Bruce Haddow.
She is survived by her sister, Joan (Simmons) Miller, and brother, Dennis Altmeyer; children Brenda Steadman (John), Barb Haddow, Bruce Andrews (Bonnie), Elaine McLean (Randy), Nancy Auersperg (Ed), Neil Andrews; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews.
When we see her again and ask how she's has been doing, we are sure she will say "Same old, same old".
We miss you, Mom.
For more information and to leave a message of condolence, please see the Thompson Funeral Service website at https://www.thompsonfs.ca