Maureen Tarkanen, a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, passed away on April 22, 2024 at the age of 81. She was born in Fleetwood, England on November 25, 1942 and moved to Canada when she was a child. Maureen grew up in Burnaby (South) and West Vancouver, BC. She graduated from UBC as a teacher in the 1960's and accepted a job in Sointula, BC where she met her soon-to-be husband Jim Tarkanen. Jim repeatedly offered Maureen a ride in his car before she finally accepted. One month later, they were married at St. David's United Church in West Vancouver and were inseparable for the following 57 years. Maureen quit teaching to focus on raising their two children Lisa and Alan in Sointula and then North Vancouver when the family moved to North Vancouver in 1974. Maureen leaves behind her beloved husband Jim, daughter Lisa Hamilton (Zoran), grandsons Keenan Hamilton (Michaela), Spencer Hamilton (Tayla) and Alex Hamilton (Karissa), her sister and brother-in-law Brenda and Scott Reid, nephew Cameron Reid (Aiden) and niece Amanda Harragan (Jack). She was predeceased by her son Alan and her parents Joan and John Greenwood. Maureen was deeply devoted to and loved by her family. She built a lifetime of cherished memories, travelling the world several times over with Jim, enjoying many trips and get togethers with family and friends, dancing with Jim to Tina Turner songs and reminiscing while listening to Sarah Brightman. She loved challenging crossword puzzles, watching the Wheel of Fortune and the Price is Right, cruises, Las Vegas and just spending time with family and friends. Maureen also enjoyed hanging out with her grand-pups Eddie and Sugar. She is deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Lions Gate Hospital or another hospital of your choice.
A celebration of life will occur later on in the spring.
Please share a photo or memory with the Tarkanen family.
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