MURRAY, Yvonne Maude

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Yvonne Maude Murray (nee Rideout) of Kelowna, British Columbia passed away in Kelowna on September 21, 2016 at the age of 79. Yvonne was born on October 19, 1936 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. She was the oldest of 5 children in her family (we’re sure that’s how she learned to be so bossy!)

She met her husband David Sr. while she was in the military reserves. She was married September 14th 1957, also in St. John’s.  She became the mother of 4 adorable children in a period of 5 years. She was a very busy lady! Since David was away quite often on military exercises she became quite adept at the “unintentional-single-mom” routine. Fortunately her family (especially her sisters) came to the rescue from time to time. The military life certainly played a role in geographical changes and Yvonne usually took them in stride. The family moved to Petawawa, Ontario; Picton, Ontario; Cornwallis, Nova Scotia; back to St. John’s, Newfoundland and then finally to civilian life in Kelowna, BC in the summer of 1974.

As her 7 grandchildren started to arrive, she took great interest in them, trying to spoil them whenever she could. Many swimming pool parties were had, with multiple grandchildren giggling, squealing and showing off their new talents for gramma. Yvonne loved to entertain, and always made her guests feel special and welcome. Not only did you get good food and good drinks, but you usually left her home with a few new jokes too! Yvonne’s vivacious sense of humour brightened the lives of many.

Yvonne is survived by 2 sisters, Audrey and Clarice; 4 children, David (Diana), Geoff, Dean (Judy) and Mary- Lynn; 8 grandchildren, Tyler, Jason, Justin, Sean, Kelsie, Jennifer, Dillon and Hannah; and 3 great grandchildren, Kael, Luke and Olivia.

A viewing is scheduled for Monday September 26, 2016 7:00pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. Please come by to meet the family. A celebration of Yvonne’s life will be held at The Cathedral Church of St. Michael & All Angels, 608 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna BC on Tuesday, September 27, 2016 at 2:00 pm. A light lunch will be served after the service.

Our family would like to thank the staff at Cottonwoods Care Centre, the amazing staff of Ethel Glen for the love and respect shown to Yvonne during her residency, where she made so many friends that loved her and made her laugh every day. A very special thanks to the recreational staff for making sure Yvonne always enjoyed the outings and Yvonne’s precious “Happy Hours” where she would sing every song and dance in her wheel chair. Many thanks to the administration staff for their kindness and support. Thank you also to Jo-Anne McIntosh for being Yvonne’s loving friend and companion. Thank-you to Dr. Greg McCloskey for the care given over the past years.

Burial arrangements to be determined at a later date.

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