Mom started her journey in Last Lake, Peace River Alberta September 6, 1931. Her family moved to Calgary for a few years and then to Kimberley, BC where her dad was fortunate enough to be hired with Cominco. This is where mom grew up, making many lifelong friends. After high school mom began doing books and secretarial work for some of the Kimberley businesses (her typing skills and handwriting were amazing). She then ventured into the business world herself, owning the Lucky Strike bowling alley on 9th Avenue in Cranbrook, followed by Monte’s Motel on the strip. She returned to Kimberley to open up Marlene’s Music Center, then back to Monte’s Motel in 1964. In 1966 mom went to work for the school board, but her true calling came when she was hired to be the secretary for Parkland Junior High in 1969. The job wasn’t just running the office, for her it was also the kids that walked through the office door.  Mom would take the time to make sure they were ok, whether the needed a pencil, a note for why they were late, or taking them aside, giving them a hug and telling them not to worry, everything would be ok. She truly had a way about her. All of the kids would comment how nice she was and we still hear it today.

In 1975 mom met and married Chuck Symmonds, the man that truly loved her and made her happy. She moved to Nelson, BC and began working as the secretary for Central Elementary School. The kids were a lot younger and she ended up becoming like a second mom to them. From making sure every kid had money for hot dog day (which she would take from her own purse) if they had lost theirs, to putting Band-Aids on cuts and scraped knees and giving them a big hug and wiping away their tears.

Mom had the biggest heart and so much compassion, as anyone who ever knew her experienced. She was such a softie that growing up we knew that if we got grounded for a week it would only be two days, three tops. She was always slipping us extra money if we spend our allowance too fast, but mainly she was always there for us no matter what. Mom was rewarded with lots of good times with Chuck, they were both good bowlers and golfers. They went to many bowling tournaments and played lots of golf courses together. When they both retired, they became Snow Birds and spent quite a few years travelling to Arizona with some of their close friends from Nelson as well as lots of camping trips with their grandchildren.

We believe mom was the happiest when she was blessed with her eight grandchildren (the first being born on her birthday) and ten great grandchildren. She loved being a grandma. She made each and every one of them feel special because there were so special to her. They have so many happy memories with her. She was a special grandma, a special mom and a truly special lady. She would always say her goodbyes with “I love you”. Mom was always so forgiving. She would always say it’s much easier to forgive and forget. We are sure she got that from her mom. Once again mom, you had the biggest heart, thanks for being our mom. We all love you so much.