Miss Mary Drefs

(Little Mary)

May 16, 1916 – April 26, 2015

It is with great sadness that the family and friends of Mary Drefs announce that she passed away peacefully at 8:45am,

Sunday April 26, 2015 at the age of 98.

She is survived by two sisters, Helen McLean and Elizabeth (Betty) Hawthorne and many nieces & nephews and relatives as well as many friends.

She is predeceased by her partner James (Skipper) Lewis and siblings Paul, Karl, Rudolph, William (Bill), Fredrick (Fred), Emil, Eugenia (Jean), and Elsie.

Mary was born in Maple Creek Saskatchewan on May 16, 1916. She worked for the Army in her younger years and moved to Merritt in the fifties where she worked at the Whittaker Ranch. She loved art and had painted at one point in her life.

Mary was one of the sweetest people we knew (her nicknames were “Sweet Mary” or “Little Mary”) who was always interested in what you had to say. She was a great listener and wanted to learn about all the new things that were being invented and how they worked. You were never bored in her company as she had a great gift of talking and was able to draw people out. She spent a lot of time reading scriptures. She loved children and wanted to be around them. She loved family gatherings and enjoyed all kinds of food including hot chili. Her latest fondness was Ice Caps from Tim Hortens. She was interested in trying new foods and drinks and participated in parties and was a great sport and allowed us to provide Halloween Costumes for her. She enjoyed routine and loved gardening and all kinds of flowers.

She liked to be teased and had a quick wit.

She had a great zest for life and told us to get out and travel while you are young enough to do so. Don’t wait. After each trip she wanted to see pictures and share the adventure.

Mary was a collector of things and was never bored with life. She always told me that she didn’t understand why people gave up so soon when there was so much to do.

Family and friends would like to thank Dr. Smit and the wonderful staff at Nicola Meadows and Coquihalla House for all the support and care they gave to Mary during her stay.

We will miss Mary and her sweet ways and are grateful for the long life

she had and all the memories and love she gave us.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1, 2015 at 10 am at St Michaels Anglican Church at 1990 Chapman Street in Merritt, B.C. with Pastor Gordon Heselton officiating.

Interment to follow at Pine Ridge Cemetery in Merritt, B.C. A tea will be held at the Church Hall after the service. If you do not wish to go to the Cemetery the Church Hall

will be available immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coquihalla House.

Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services, Kamloops BC

(250) 554 2429

Condolences may be left at www.firstmemorialkamloops.com