We Remember
MILLER, Mary Elizabeth (née Gowen)
December 11, 1936 — October 10, 2020
Born December 11, 1936 in Kelowna. Passed October 10, 2020.
Mary passed away peacefully on October 10th at Kelowna Hospice House six months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.
Mary is survived by Dean her husband of 62 years; their three children Kathy (Jeff) Hattrick, Bruce (Tracy), Brian (Monique); and four grandchildren Kurtis and Jayme Miller, and Jason and Laura Hattrick. All children and grandchildren reside in the Kelowna area. She is also survived by her brother Bob (Baiba) Gowen of McMinnville, Oregon.
The daughter of Charles and Rose Gowen, Mary was a proud native of Kelowna, BC. She grew up with her brother in what was more commonly known as the Five Bridges area (Sutherland Avenue & Burtch Road). Some may remember Charlie’s auto garage and the family auto court (motel) located on their property. Her family chores around the home and auto court helped hone her sense of duty that was evident in later years.
Upon graduation from Kelowna High School in 1953, Mary left Kelowna to train as a nurse at Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster, BC. Upon graduating as an RN, Mary returned to Kelowna to marry her high school sweetheart, Dean, and immediately started their family in Kelowna. Mary was born a caregiver and took great pride in her nursing skills. Whether on the job at Kelowna General Hospital or helping friends and family you could always count on her being by your side.
Mary was known for her energy and passion – she loved skiing with her family at Big White and was an eager volunteer at her and Dean’s church. Mary volunteered at and was a big promoter of their church’s MCC Thrift Store in Rutland. Mary helped organize countless KSS high school reunions and spent much of her time staying connected with friends she had known from early elementary school years.
Mary touched the lives of many and all of them would describe her as kind, honest, loyal and caring. She loved being a mother and Nana. Mary will be deeply missed by family and her many friends, but we know she is happy to be reunited with her parents.
Our thanks to Dr. Peter Butterworth as well as the staff at Kelowna Hospice House for the care and compassion provided to Mary.
A service will be held at a later date, in the meantime please say a prayer for Mary and her family. Flowers are respectfully declined.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Mary and I have been friends since grade school. It was always easy to be her friend because she always put value on love, friendship and gratitude. I miss her every day as I know her family does. My condolence to all the family members and especially Dean who has shared her love over the years.
To Dean and family. We are so sorry to hear Mary had passed. She was a wonderful friend.❤️
Dean and Family
We are sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. We count it an honour to have met and known Mary.
God Bless
George and Nell
Dear Dean, I was so saddened to read of Mary’s passing. Deanna and I have fond memories of our times at WPS, our visits in your home and crossing paths at MCC Thrift Store. We remember Mary as a real saint. Laird 250 860-9107.
We were so sorry to hear of your dear wife, Mary’s passing. We’re praying for you, Dean, and your family, that you will be
comforted during this time, thinking of all the wonderful memories you have shared for 62 years. She has been such a blessing to many. We will miss her at the MCC Thrift Store, where she worked so faithfully for many years.
Dear Dean and Family, Please know that my mother and I join with so many others in thinking of you at this time, appreciating so deeply the privilege you afforded us in sharing with you in the joy of knowing and interacting with Mary in so many ways. Thank you for sharing Mary with us. We know she’s rejoicing with Jesus and all those who have gone before, while still cheering you on in your walk with the Lord as she watches from above in that ‘cloud of witnesses’ referred to in Hebrews 12:1 and 2. Mary was one of a kind as her warm voice and smile beamed the love of the Lord into the heart of each person with whom she interacted, warming it up with perceptible joy as she always spoke of the goodness and faithfulness of Jesus in whom she was fully trusting. Mary always said she would be miracle # 5 in her family, and truly she is fully alive and well in Heaven, and we’ll all bask in the blessing of our coming reunion. Mary faithfully served communion at church each month and sent communion with people visiting those who were sick. She had healing Scriptures which she read each day over those who were sick, and four of you, her family members, received miracles through Mary’s daily prayers and trust in God’s promises, as well as in the Lord Himself. One Impact Seniors’ Hobby night, Mary brought out her amazing doll collection as well as a valuable historical scrapbook or record. Mary’s loyalty and attention to beauty, details, and care for people, plants, and all things of value over the years are just some of the ways that her long life of service will have ensured her welcome into Heaven with the Lord’s loving words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:21) Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We’ll all meet again. Susan and Phyllis Smith
We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. We have been friends for over 60 years. Mary was a very special person, a friend to all who knew her.
We send our deepest condolences to Dean and family..
Doug and Marie Mervyn
Dean, my heart reaches for you and I wish I could comfort you with a hug. You and Mary have been wonderful examples of love in action. Rachel and I look up to you and pray for your comfort.