October 6, 1920 – September 24, 2019

A long and very interesting life has come to an end. It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Mary (Mae) Ratcliffe at Joseph Creek Care Village on September 24, 2019. Only 12 days shy of her 99th birthday, Mae was a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, neighbour and friend.

Born to Ann and William Forrest in Trail on October 6, 1920, Mae was the youngest of six children. She often talked about her growing up days in the “smoky city”. Mae married Walter Ratcliffe on August 3, 1939 and together they went on to raise three children. She enjoyed telling stories of the early years and the adventures she and Walter had. Mae was an athlete, having skied in Rossland, and always encouraged her children to be good sportsmen. She enjoyed watching curling and baseball and was also a loyal fan of the Cranbrook Royals and Kootenay Ice.

Mae loved nature and, most of all, her home at “the lake”. As a long time resident of Norbury Lake, she took great pride in being the longest living resident of the area. She loved watching the wildlife and especially the owls! For the past year, she was a resident of Joseph Creek Care Village in Cranbrook.

Mae is survived by her daughter Beverley Sparks, daughter-in-law Barb Ratcliffe, grandchildren Lary (Laura) Sparks, Leslie Stephens, Kim (Geoff) Sparks, Colleen Sparks, Bonnie Ratcliffe, Marnie (Clifford) Dingman, Kelly Pengelly, Chris Ratcliffe, Laura (Daryl) Cuthill, and Tara (Derek) Ratcliffe. She also leaves behind her great-grandchildren Danan, Quintin, Taya, Rhys, Cody, Scott, Delainey, Brodyn, Josh, Teagan, Gabrielle, Ryker, Kinley, Logan and multiple generations of nieces and nephews. Mae was predeceased by her husband Walter Ratcliffe, sons Wayne and Gord Ratcliffe, son-in-law Bob Sparks, and grandson Cam Ratcliffe.

The family would like to thank the staff at Joseph Creek for their care of Mae over the past year, Dr. Greg Andreas for his many years of care, and a special thanks to her wonderful neighbours at the lake!

There will be no service at this time, but a Celebration of Life will be planned at the lake next spring. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.