Patricia Dianne Pearce

Born in Kenora, Ontario in 1941 to Clare and Irene Nicholson, Mom grew up in a lively household with her siblings Gary (Joyce), Claire (aka Chucky)(Denis), and Audrey (Eric). If you know anything about Mom, you’ll understand quickly that this was excellent training for a lifetime of quick comebacks, strong opinions, and loving chaos.

By the time the family landed in Chilliwack in 1954, Mom was already well on her way to becoming… well, Mom. In high school, she met her first love, Brian Martin—the handsome athlete to her cheerleader energy. It was basically a movie before movies like that were a thing.

They married in 1959 and began building their life together, moving through Fort Nelson, Fort St. John, and Prince George, where we—her very proud daughters Cheryl (1963) and Shannon (1965)—entered the world.

In 1965, they returned to Chilliwack, where Mom fully stepped into her roles as mom, coach, community member, and curling enthusiast (and let’s be honest, probably the most competitive one on the ice). She coached our softball teams, wrangled busy family life, and embraced being surrounded by Brian’s large and lively family that included his parents Madge and Gerry Norlen, his siblings Jean (Mike), Sheila, and Guy and his endless extended family of cousins, aunts and uncles etc.

Then came 1972—the year Mom really hit her stride. The ranch on Chilliwack Mountain and the Okanagan cabin became the backdrop for some of the best chapters of her life. Mom loved the outdoors: fishing, boating, horseback riding, snowmobiling—and managing a small army of animals including horses, cows, and chickens (whether they cooperated or not).

The ranch was her dream, and if those walls could talk, they’d tell stories of unforgettable parties, endless laughter, and Christmas trees 10 feet tall. And the cabin? That’s where Mom’s playful spirit truly thrived—especially during the infamous water fights with the Stoliker crew. No one was safe. Games weren’t optional during those two glorious months of summer—they were mandatory. And not just any games… legendary card battles featuring Mom, her mom, the Stoliker’s and Auntie Chuck. It was competition at its absolute finest. Mercy? Not a chance. We were just kids, but they played like it was the finals—and we learned very quickly that if you sat at that table, you’d better bring your A-game.

Life wasn’t without its challenges. After her divorce in 1981, Mom showed us exactly what resilience looks like, moving to Penticton to be closer to her family and continuing forward with strength (and probably a few well-timed sarcastic remarks).

The 90s brought weddings—and Mom gained not one but two son-in-laws she genuinely loved (and thoroughly enjoyed teasing). Shannon married Ken Kwasnycia in 1992, and Cheryl married Enzo Nanci in 1993. The banter was constant, and Mom wouldn’t have had it any other way. Ken and Enzo continue to talk about her legendary sandwiches and mad ironing skills.

By 1993, Mom had relocated to Kelowna, working with Interior Health and staying close to her girls. Soon after, the grandkids started arriving—Bree, Sam, Jesse, and Kirsten—who all became the absolute center of her world. She adored them, spoiled them appropriately (Mazatlán comes to mind), and proudly welcomed their partners (who would come much later)—Brandon, Brandy, and Gibson—into the fold.

Then came Rod.

In 1994, Mom met and married Rod Pearce—a man who could match her spirit, keep up with her wit, and love her deeply. Together, they built a beautiful life in Mill Bay, filled with travel, cooking, curling, laughter, and ocean views that never got old. Their home became a gathering place full of good food, great company, and front-row seats to whales, eagles, Sammy the Seal, and whatever else decided to make an appearance. Our family grew once more with the addition of Rod’s children, Rod Jr (Myrna), Kelly (Lynne) and Peggy (Bryan). Adding Greg (Zizi), Emma (Josh), Cate (Adam) and Erin (Nick and his boys) to her list of grandchildren. As well as Rod’s mom, his brothers Jack (Rochelle) and Brian (Dot) and sisters Monica (Gar), Isabelle (Gordie), Peggy, and Leona (Larry).

In 2015, Mom faced one of her toughest challenges—a stroke that would leave her wheelchair-bound. True to form, she handled it with remarkable strength and, somehow, still managed not to complain (we’re still trying to figure out how she pulled that off). Rod was by her side every step of the way, caring for her with unwavering love and devotion.

In 2018, Mom and Rod moved to Kelowna to be closer to us. Over the next few years, she lived in several retirement communities before settling into Hawthorne/Orchard Manor, where she was deeply grateful for the kindness and care she received.

Mom remained sharp, funny, and just as quick with a comeback as ever. She was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and was absolutely delighted to be expecting her first great-grandchild this June—whom she lovingly (and very on-brand) nicknamed “Bubbles, the freeloader.”

Mom was predeceased by her parents, her former husband Brian Martin, and several beloved family members. She carried those losses with grace, while continuing to pour love into the family she cherished so deeply.

After a short stay at KGH, Mom passed away peacefully on April 13th, 2026—just days after her 85th birthday. She lived 11 years with physical limitations that never once defined her spirit. Her body may have slowed down, but her mind, her humour, and her love for all of us never did. We are deeply grateful to the nurses and Doctors at KGH specifically minor treatment and 4B.

If you knew Mom, you’ll remember her for her warmth, her resilience, her mischievous sense of fun, and her ability to keep everyone on their toes. She loved deeply, laughed loudly, and lived fully. She adored her nieces and nephews spread all over the world and loved to hear about their lives from her siblings.

And if there’s a card game happening somewhere right now, we’re all pretty sure she’s already winning.

Rod is left behind to mourn Mom—and to carry forward a lifetime of stories that get better (and slightly more dramatic) with each retelling. His heart is undeniably broken, but he takes comfort in knowing she’s finally free of pain… and likely already organizing something wherever she’s landed.

He adored her smile—the one that could light up a room or signal that you were about to be lovingly put in your place—and, of course, her legendary lack of patience. Let’s be honest: Mom didn’t wait for much, and she certainly didn’t suffer fools lightly. Rod knew this better than anyone, and somehow, it only made him love her more.

Their life together was full, vibrant, and deeply connected. And while Rod now has to navigate a quieter version of that life, one thing’s certain—he’ll never be short on stories, laughter, or reminders of the incredible woman he shared it all with.

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, there will be no formal service. We’ll be celebrating her life the way she would have wanted—together with our families and friends, with stories, laughter, definitely a few tears and probably a little bit of mischief.

We already miss you immensely Mom. And as you used to say to us….we love you to infinity…..and beyond! Forever and ever….until we meet again. ❤