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Lillian “Mae” Anderson Obituary
L. Mae was born on the farm at Coleman Creek on May 4, 1933, and passed away peacefully at Rotary Manor, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 91 years of age.
During Mae’s delivery, Mae was deprived of oxygen, which made a lasting impact on what would have been a normal life at school, getting married and having children. Mae’s siblings were Sid, Lois, Mart, Karol, John, and Ethel. The Anderson Family had 7 children in 7 years. During the 1930s, life was hard on the farm. Her father Ted was often away working for public works building bridges, and Mae formed a close relationship with her mother, Sophia. She was home schooled and achieved roughly a grade 1 level practicing her letters and numbers. Mae also spent a great deal of time with her younger sister, Ethel. For example, when stooking the grain in the fall, they worked together as a team at eight or nine years of age. One year on the farm, an orphan moose became a pet, at least until fall. They named her “Pet.” Until 10 years ago, Mae still remembered the name of the moose.
The Andersons moved to Dawson Creek in 1946. Her mother Sophia continued to love and support Mae each and every day and she would always help her mom with tasks around the home. Mae developed a hobby of putting picture puzzles together. There was always a puzzle board, sometimes 500 pieces, on the go at the Anderson’s home. Mae became quite proficient, and it helped her maintain focus on a task. For a few years, Mae had a cat that she called Patches, and always fondly remembered her. Sophia always kept herself immaculately, with her proficiency in sewing their clothes, to their hair & makeup and also the famous “fingernails.” Mae became very attached to having “Pretty Pink Fingernails!”
In 1958, Sophia and Mae moved to Victoria in order for Mae to attend a special school and both Sophia and Mae worked in a Second-Hand Store during their time there. Sadly, this only lasted a year, and they moved back to 114 Avenue in Dawson Creek.
At a young age, Mae made a big impression with some her nieces and nephews. God had brought Mae into the world with some challenges, and we all knew that Mae wouldn’t hurt a fly. Mae always smiled and NEVER EVER complained. Through Aunt Mae, God taught us, to try and act kindly and to treat others more fairly.
When her mother Sophia passed away in 1983, Mae began to share an apartment in Selwyn Place with a friend, Grace McLean. The two worked at the P.L.A.C.E., for folks with Special needs. For a time, they worked in the ribbon room making ribbons, trophies etc. Mae’s second greatest hobby was bowling, and she really enjoyed spending time with friends and winning trophies.
Mae’s sister-in law Edith took Mae, Grace and Grace’s sister to Edmonton to see the “Ice Capades” one year and they even stayed in a hotel. Edith also took Mae to Ft. St. John to see the “RCMP Musical Ride.” In 1987, Lana took her daughter Lauren and Mae to a Sjostrand Family Reunion in Hallock, Minnesota. These were all such highlights for Mae.
Mae and Grace moved into Rotary Manor in 1988, located in the Crescent Park area and then onto Rotary’s current location in 2002. It is truly remarkable that Mae lived a third of her life, over 36 years, in Rotary Manor. Think about that. Think about the many hundreds of care workers, and other employees who have loved and cared for Mae, adorning her with her jewelry, bright pink lipstick and painting her fingernails. Think about the more than 40,000 times Mae smiled back at the care worker over those 36 plus years. Rotary Manor will be able to remember Mae, with some of the puzzle boards available for residents use and the grand piano that graces their social room.
Rolla Cemetery where Mae will be interred, will also remember her with a resting bench and a new rod iron sign.
The Anderson family are truly grateful for the kindness and dedication of Rotary Manor over the years. It is also appropriate to thank her sister Ethel, brothers Karol and Mart, and most recently her niece Lana for supporting and caring for Mae since the death of her father and mother. The world was a better place because of Mae, not because of the number of grandchildren she had, but because she was always such a gentle soul that touched the hearts of those that loved and cared for her. Go in peace Mae, we love you.
A Memorial Service for Mae will be held Friday, March 14, 2025. Her internment will be at the Rolla Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. and the service will follow at Reynars Funeral Chapel, at 1:00 p.m. Rev. George Malcolm will officiate.
For friends so wishing, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Rotary Manor Activity Fund, 1121-90 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 5A3 or the Step Up & Ride Society, 732 115 Avenue, Dawson Creek, British Columbia V1G 3B8.
Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium
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May 4 1933
December 19 2024
reynars funeral home & crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Dawson, Province: Colombie britanique
death notice Lillian Mae Anderson May 4 1933
December 19 2024
obituaries notice Lillian Mae Anderson May 4 1933
December 19 2024
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Lillian Mae Anderson May 4 1933
December 19 2024 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
