Mildred Searls

February 5th, 1926 – February 21st, 2014

It is with heartbreaking sorrow we announce the passing of Mildred Searls, peacefully with family by her side on Friday, February 21, 2014 at Peace Arch Hospice, White Rock, B.C. in her 88th year. Forever missed by her children Donna Lee Searls-Ramsbottom (Darryl), Jo-Ann Marion Searls, Dianne Mildred Searls (Edmour Richard). Loving grandmother to Dean Jason Ramsbottom (Samantha) and her great granddaughters Angela and Hannah. Devoted sister to Shirley Whyte (Tom) Aunt Millie to many nieces and nephews. Remembered by all her extended family and many friends shared through her daughters.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband Charles Andrew (Andy) Searls, her cherished sister Grace, brothers Norman, Earl, Douglas –and her babysister, Gladys. Mildred was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba on February 5th, 1926 the 5th of 7 children born to Ada (Stitson) and Russell McDonald. As a young woman, Mildred served in the Canadian Woman’s Corp during WWII. While stationed in Montreal she met a handsome naval officer named Andy. While on leave he had come to her barracks to take a childhood friend out for dinner and found her to be on leave. As fate would have it he invited Mildred. After WWII Mildred returned to Portage La Prairie to care for her widowed father Russell until Shirley graduated high school.

It was then that she accepted Andys’ proposal of marriage. On August 16th, 1947 they were married in a small ceremony in Calgary, Alberta with Andy’s sister Enid and her husband Bark Franklin as their attendents. Mildred & Andy were married for 53 years residing in Calgary and raising three loving daughters. Mildred delighted in the time she spent with her family as a gentle, caring and dedicated wife, Mother, Gram and GGMA. Her lady-like nature and generosity touched all who were blessed to know her. Her many gifted talents included her love of gardening, cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and crocheting.

Mildred adored Cairn Terriers. She was an enthusiastic member of CTCC, showing 2 champions Gus and Treasure. During her married life Mildred was head of the Sunday School at St Mark’s Anglican church. She gave of herself, volunteering at St Peter’s Anglican Church and at Glenmore Nursing Home for many years. An avid reader, and crossword affiacado, Mildred always maintained a positive and optimistic outlook on life. Mildred stayed current with world events, with an uncanny ability to entertain with a dry & witty humor. These things and more her family will always cherish. A special thank you to the caring nursing & pastoral staff at Peace Arch Hospice and White Rock South Surrey Hospice Society. A Celebration of Life will be held for Mildred at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the White Rock South Surrey Hospice Society would be gratefully acknowledged. www.whiterockhospice.org

Those Who Live In Our Hearts Will Be With Us Always .....

We cannot control the movement of time, nor can we control our destiny, or the destiny’s of those we love. But we can take comfort in knowing that those who have lived in our hearts are never really gone. For as long as we keep them with us, in our hearts, and our thoughts, they will be with us always. For love, which is timeless, never ceases to exits.