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Racille Elizabeth (Rae) Oliver

January 26, 2016

Oliverforweb

Rae Oliver, recently of Salmon Arm, passed away at Bastion Place on Feb. 26, 2016 at the age of 94 years, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born Nov. 21, 1921 at Claresholm, Alta. to pioneers Nat & Mamie McIntyre, Mom moved to Calgary after graduating from high school. She married the late J. Darrald Oliver to whom she was married for 57 years and together they had 3 children. She was predeceased by Darrald in 2000 and by Terry, their oldest child, in 1974 as well as by two sisters and a brother.

Left to cherish her memory and to celebrate her life are daughter Cheryl Cruikshank (Gary) and their children, Shannon Johnson (Neil Stahl) their children, Tyler, Hailey, Cole and Cameron; Jeff Cruikshank (Kristy) and their children, Fynn and Nate; her son Doran Oliver and his daughter, Meghan Rae Oliver. Several nieces and nephews also survive her. Many friends, both old and new remember her with respect, grateful for the opportunity of knowing her.

Always trying to make her world a better place, Mom volunteered in Calgary as opportunities were presented - from establishing a Brownie, Girl Guide pack in her community, to helping establish a new church in Haysboro, and offering her time in the area of Pastoral Care at Rockyview Hospital. She was honoured by the Calgary Hospital Region for her 30 years of service and she was an active and founding member of St. Andrew’s United Church in Calgary and was recognized as a charter member of the United Church Women.

After Dad’s passing she took a giant leap and sold her home and her beloved garden and moved into a condo. At Sierras of Heritage, she found a whole new community of friends and was active and engaged in the social club, aquafit, crafts, pool and cards. Her friends there remember her zest for life, and her “just do it” attitude. She loved to walk and hike and received great pleasure from her travels. Always game for something new, she wasn’t going to be left behind! Her on going tug o’war with the computer was evidence of her persistence and her drive to “keep up”. She was a principled woman, and has always been a strong, steadfast example of a decent human being living their life.

She loved flowers and she loved shopping! There is at least one ladies store in Salmon Arm that was a frequent destination!

Health issues started to arise and in 2015 she reluctantly, but bravely, sold her Calgary condo and moved to Salmon Arm. One of the first residents of Andover Terrace Resort, it didn’t take her long to renew, strengthen and establish new friendships. Health issues continued to dog her but she fought hard to maintain her independence. Behind her walker, she set a pace that spoke to a sense of purpose! However, the body can only endure so much and she was hospitalized. Staff at Salmon Arm Hospital knew her as stoic as she faced her final fate. She was transferred to Palliative Care at Bastion Place and was cared for in a most compassionate way by the staff there.

Our family is very grateful for the wonderful medical care she received while in Salmon Arm – from physiotherapy (Julie Parenteau) to pain management (Dr. M. Lourens) and especially by Drs. Barb McKinnon and Chris Weicker.

Following Mom’s wishes, there will be no service. Her ashes will be returned to Calgary and placed with those of her husband and son.

Online condolences may be sent through Rae’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com



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