Born Bess Grey on February 22, 1924 in Toronto, Ontario, Mom passed away at Polson Extended Residence at the age of 94 on Wednesday, September 05, 2018. Bessie leaves behind her children: Mary Ellen, Pauline and Paul; sons-in-law, Gord Gregerson and Victor Barker; her two granddaughters, Melissa Gregerson (and fiancé Ryan Angus) and Shaughnessy Barker; and her special goddaughter, Margie Russell. She also leaves behind a great many beloved nieces and nephews around the globe and her big sister, Grace Bly, in Toronto. Bess was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Paul, in 2006; her sisters, Mona Ruston and Connie Aisbitt Snarr; and brother, Doug Grey.
Bessie grew up with her single mother and sisters in the downtown core of Toronto, moving a great deal during her childhood and teen years. They were brave, strong women who had an incredibly special bond. She lived through the great depression and the Second WW years before meeting her beloved Paul during the war years at a skating party during the early 40’s. Dad was stationed at Camp Borden, a Canadian Armed Forces base outside of Toronto. She followed Paul out to Vancouver in the mid 40’s, marrying him in 1946.
The two built a number of houses on Dominion Street in Burnaby during the early to mid fifties before settling in their family home where they spent the next five decades. Dad was the carpenter, Mom the #1 assistant.
As time passed during the 50’s and 60’s, the Kereluk home was host and inn to a great many extended family members, some of whom lived in the basement suite. Always welcoming and always inviting, a great many parties, family events, and impromptu dinners were created and prepared by Mom. She loved to dance and fond memories are had of the many 33 and 78 vinyls spinning on the turntable, Mom dancing with whoever was a willing partner. Bess was a homemaker who ensured that her family was well cared for and loved, and that her children were provided with a well-rounded array of lessons and experiences. Money was often tight but she always found a way. If something sparked her interest, she would sign up for a night school course and learn a new craft or skill. One of these unusual pursuits was a course in Millenary…a hat making course. She was very involved with the Ukrainian community and church throughout the lower mainland volunteering a great deal of her time over many years. She would also spend long hours with her many womens’ groups, making large quantities of food. Her specialty was indeed, cabbage rolls. The extended Kereluk family can attest to that!
In 2002, Paul and Bessie moved to an acreage on Swan Lake in Vernon, BC that they had purchased during the seventies. Back then, and after much discussion, they were sensitive to the fact that their children, who were pre-teen and teen, did not want to move from the “big city ” of Burnaby. The move to Swan Lake was put on hold until the fall of 2002. They spent four happy years on Swan Lake enjoying the rural lifestyle, tending to the garden, mom practising her driving skills on the property and enjoying their time together there until dad’s passing in 2006. Bessie lived on the property until 2011 when she moved to an assisted living facility and eventually, a nursing home this last two years.
“Booyna” whom we affectionately named when her first granddaughter was born, loved being with her family particularly her two granddaughters, Melissa and Shaughnessy. She loved spending time with them whenever possible and proudly attended and enjoyed the many events and activities the girls were involved in over the years. It is evident where both girls’ love of music came from!
Though her memory faded away over this last several years, she remained the kind and proud woman, always dressed in purple, that she had always been.
We are asking that friends and family members take a moment to write down and send a special “memory” of a time spent or remembered with Mom. This can be sent to [email protected]. These memories will be posted at her memorial service.
We will always love and miss you, Boonya.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 21, 2018. Interment will follow in Pleasant Valley Cemetery followed by a light lunch at Pleasant Valley Funeral Home, 4303 Pleasant Valley Rd, Vernon, BC V1T 4M4.
Arrangements have been entrusted to PLEASANT VALLEY DIGNITY FUNERAL HOME, 4303 P.V. Road, Vernon, B.C. V1T 4M4 Phone: (250) 542-4333. Condolences may be offered at pleasantvalleyfh.com
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