LITA SALANSKI
It is with profound love and admiration that we say goodbye to the matriarch of our family. Mom, Gram, G.G., was the glue that held the clan together. Her unique spirit, guidance, and endless love have been a gift to us all. She will be missed greatly, but all of our amazing memories will last a lifetime.
Mom has had an incredible life. Being so active over the years in the community, and her involvement in groups that she felt passionate about. The Women’s Institute, church, 4-H, the school board, and a founding member of the East Kootenay Community College board.
Her real passion was ranching. How she loved the ranch, her cattle, and riding. After the passing of our dad, Pete, in 1982, mom continued on with much determination. She became the first woman president of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association during the early 90’s, and was appointed to the Canadian Cattlemens board as well. As a family we supported mom in her endeavours with amazement at her energy. Mom’s adventurous childhood and wonderful parents had such a great influence on her life. She has passed on those values to us all.
Mom loved horses, her flowers, baking, Sunday family dinners, enjoying a cup of coffee, building, carpentry, rock work, painting, reading, writing, knitting, sewing, and wearing her jeans. She was wise, a visionary, opinionated, sarcastic, humorous, honest, and lovely. Happy, content, and “never bored in her life.” So we dared not to mutter the “b” word around her or we would be un-bored quickly. She was sassy and stubborn to the end. Way to go!
Though the past several years were difficult for mom, she said each day how much she enjoyed her life and appreciated what she had. She loved the view out of her kitchen window and would say, “I’ve had a great life. What a beautiful place.”
Mom was predeceased by her parents Susanna and Edward Lynn many years ago, and her brother, Charlie, in 2010. Left to miss mom are her children Gary (Wendy), Susan (Dale), Daryl (Greg), and Shelley; 7 grandchildren: Lita (Alan), Stacey (Raenel), Jeremy (Amanda), Jason (Kathy), Lindsay (Matt), Kirsten (Dan), and Jordan (Jessica); and 13 great-grands: Tasha, Owen, Garrett, Kyle, Tucker, Nicholas, Waylynn, Keenan, Ethan, Jackson, Reese, Alaina, and Emma.
The family would like to thank Dr. Gadsden for the excellent care she gave to mom over the past years. Thank you to Dorothy, Christa, Sheila, Connie, Tiana, Vanessa, Wendy, and the other wonderful Homecare ladies who provided care. A special thank you to Laurie and Heather for giving mom much joy, friendship, and love. You have all been angels in her life. Nurses Kaitlin, Rosie, and Andrea gave us such great support and compassion at the hospital.
Thank you to all of our family and friends who have visited, sent messages and cards, provided meals, and sent flowers. We appreciate your remembrance of mom very much as she was a classy lady.
A wonderful open house was held at the ranch on September 13th in memory of mom. A private service was held at St. Margaret’s Cemetery in Fernie on September 20th. Thank you to Jane Clarke for presiding and sharing such beautiful thoughts. If you would like to make a donation in honour of Lita’s memory, please think of the B.C. Children’s Hospital, or a foundation of your choice.
Memories and condolences shared at www.cherishedmemoriesfs.com Arrangements entrusted to Cherished Memories Funeral Services Ltd.