It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Elizabeth Peters announce her passing.
Mom made her final journey on September 14th, 2014 at 3:30 am.
Born on October 2nd, 1927 in a Mennonite colony in the Ukraine, she was the firstborn to parents Abraham and Maria Reimer. The family immigrated to Canada in 1947 after the Second World War via the General Heinzelman ship, docking at pier 21 in Halifax, and from there headed west, settling in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
She met her husband and soul mate Peter at a wedding in Winnipeg, and the couple married on April 24th, 1949. Together they raised nine children and felt each child was a blessing from God, never a hardship.
Following construction work, the family settled in Fernie in 1970. Every day Mom marveled at the beauty of the mountains and had no desire to ever leave this valley.
Widowed in 1983, she never fully recovered from the loss of her husband. Her sole focus from that point forward was the well being of her children and grandchildren. Family was everything to her. Her faith never wavered.
As children, we constantly brought home stray animals, too numerous to count. All were cared for and give a home by our Mother.
On April 9th, 2001 Mom suffered a massive intracranial hemorrhage. Her chances for survival were slim, but her strong will to survive triumphed. This determination of hers gave us another 13 1/2 years with her. She was able to attend all but one of her grandchildren’s weddings. The caregivers at Rocky Mountain Village became her second family, and she was forever grateful for the kindness and caring given to her. There she was affectionately known as “grandma” with the beautiful smile.
Although fluent in 5 languages, and able to converse with anyone she met, the affects of her stroke ended up taking away this ability in her last years. Not to be deterred, she communicated using other means. If she kissed your hand, she liked you. If she rolled her eyes look out, it meant she didn’t.
Mom shared her love of music with all of us. Her favorite was classical. Although known to few, she was accomplished with the guitar. She taught us love, caring, sharing, compassion and the art of forgiveness. She’ll be forever missed and never forgotten.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, husband Peter, brother Abe, and sister Mary. She is survived by her children: sons Peter, James and David; and daughters Betty (Blair) Porter, Irene Peters, Susan Lidster, Rietta Peters, Margeaux (Mike Graham) Bauman, and Linda (Lou) Reddin. Grandchildren: Graeme and Geoff Porter, Sarah D’Attolico, Christopher and Patrick Lidster, Liam Peters, Kaeli, Krista, Hannah and Heidi Bauman, and Kyle and Colin Martel. Great grandchildren: Amelia Porter, Jaya and Maya Lidster, Lily Martel, and Sophia and Raquel D’Attolico. Siblings, Susan Bruhns, Christel Kozolofski and Henry Reimer.
“We understand death for the first time when he puts his hand upon one whom we love.”
Visitation will take place at the Mountainside Community Church on Friday, September 19th from 9:00 – 10:30 with the Funeral Service to follow at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made to the S.P.C.A. or to the Children’s Charity of the donor’s choice.
Memories and condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.