Mona Joyce Hanna

Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma. Growing up as a prairie girl on a farm in Morrin, Alberta, Mom once told us that these were her favourite years. Riding her horse to school with her brother, playing with friends, and helping her Mother with chores. This is where her strong work ethic began.

She met our Dad in Calgary on a blind date. He was a new immigrant from Belfast. It was December and they were married the following September, in 1951. Sons Brendon and Gary were born when they lived in Calgary and daughter Kathy came along after their move to Victoria.

In 1961, Dad was transferred to Vancouver and we moved into a new home in Lynn Valley. Mom was widowed at age 40 and left to raise 3 young kids. We were her life, and her reason to carry on. She did it all for us. Cooking, housework, and gardening, as well as working full time kept her going non-stop. Times were tough, but we never felt we did without. All the while, she kept looking stylish with hair, makeup, and the latest fashions. She was determined and managed to keep the family home. The door was always open to friends and relatives who would get the royal treatment on their visits. She loved a houseful and a good party. Mom remained in the family home until entering long term care at Evergreen House almost 2 years ago.

Mom was fiercely independent. Her decrease in mobility led to her gradual loss of independence until she eventually required total care. Still, Mom kept her pain and struggles to herself. Despite the decline in her quality of life, she continued with her will to live.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Sam in 1969, and her eldest son Brendon in 1997. Life was never the same after Brendon was gone but she persevered for us. She was, and always will be, loved by her family. Son Gary, Daughter Kathy, Grandchildren Heather, Michael, Allison, their partners, and 3 Great Grandchildren.

We are sure Mom was welcomed with open arms by those loved ones gone before us as they have all waited a long time for this reunion.

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine - and the shadows will fall behind you.” Walt Whitman.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com for the Hanna family.