Maureen Elizabeth Read

It is with profound sadness that our beloved Mother, Mother-In-Law, Nanny, Nanny- The -Great, Sister-In-Law, Aunt & Friend left us to be with her predeceased family in Heaven. Maureen passed away very peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit at Lions Gate Hospital.

Maureen was born in Toronto and at 6 years of age moved to Vancouver, living right across from Kits Beach, to her delight; she would swim passionately for many months in a year at Kits Beach pool while growing up. Maureen attended Kitsilano High School and subsequently attended a commerce school, providing her with secretarial skills which she utilized with various positions she held.

Maureen was introduced to her future husband Billy Read through her Mother while Billy was working with her Mom. They were married Dec. 6 1941 & honeymooned in Montreal & Halifax before Billy's tour of duty as a pilot with the RCAF/RAF in WWII. While her beloved Billy was overseas, she worked in Vancouver using her secretarial skills & anxiously awaiting her Love's

return from war.

When Billy returned home over 3 years later they started their family. They built their home in West Vancouver, in 1946, when Kathlyn was born. In 1948, their son Brian was born, but tragedy occurred in 1949 and Brian passed away. Maureen was an only child so had always wanted 2 children; Maureen and Bill had their second daughter born in 1950, Kelly.

Maureen loved her family immeasurably and made certain that Kathy and Kelly had such a wonderful life as children growing up in West Vancouver. As a family, one of their favourite times would be picnics at Ambleside Beach and then swimming in the pool after their lunch together. Maureen was always involved in the many activities and opportunities she had made possible for her girls.

An avid bridge player, Maureen loved her Bridge Clubs that gave her loving and lasting friendships for well over 50 years. She had been a member of the I.O.D.E. and Kiwassa. Maureen had many interests, including a love of politics and was able forge an involvement which spanned many years. Maureen had also been the Social Reporter for the Lions Gate Times Newspaper. Maureen enjoyed working for Eaton’s part-time for many years as well.

A highlight in their later years, the Reads bought a trailer in 1982 in Birch Bay where they developed many wonderful friendships and enjoyed every bit of time they stayed at Leisure Park. In 1987 they sold their home of over 40 years and bought a condo where they would live until their respective passings. Again, Maureen established many solid friendships that gave her joy for 26 years while living at Ambleview Place.

While Maureen felt that she was blessed with a very fulfilling life, she remained dignified when faced with tragedy. The grief was immense with the passings of her precious infant son, Brian, her everlasting “Love", Billy, and most recently, her beloved daughter, Kathlyn. Through it all, she garnered strength from her ability to always find the joys in her daily life and many blessings she was granted.

Her grandchildren, Kristi, Nicole, Jason, & Amber all feel blessed for the wonderful times they shared with their Nanny throughout their lives. The relationship continued with her great-grandchildren, and Maureen was affectionately known as, “Nanny-The-Great.”

Kelly thanks Maureen, her cherished Mother, for her unconditional love and Kelly's lifetime of wonderful memories shared together.