Some think it’s holding on that makes one strong, sometimes it’s just letting go…
Our loving mom, grandma, and g.g. Anne passed away quietly and peacefully at Eagle Ridge Hospital on Monday, January 18, 2010. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law Betty Anne and Ken Joy; her son and daughter-in-law Robert and Anne Fleming; grandchildren Michelle and Justin Gadbois, Jennifer, Elyce, and Megan Fleming; great-granddaughters Melanie Robinson and Acacia Suffiad; her long time companion, best friend, running and dancing partner, Les Robson; and many other relatives and friends. Mom was predeceased by her parents Frank and Kate Bradley; sisters Kathleen (Kay) Fritz Walker and Margaret Greenman; her husband of 28 years Melville Fleming; granddaughter Carlee Anne Gadbois; and step-granddaughter Tammy Joy. Mom was born in the district of Petrolia in Saskatchewan. She completed her education in Drinkwater Sask., trained in Regina as a hairdresser, and apprenticed at a drug store. After marriage in 1948, dad and mom farmed outside Drinkwater and ran the hardware store. They moved to Moose Jaw where mom started working for Sears in the accounting dept. in 1961. In 1967 onto Coquitlam where mom transferred to the Sears store in Burnaby until her retirement in 1988. She was widowed in 1976, but kept busy with her many organizations and charity work. She was a member of the Moose Jaw Rebekahs, Past Matron of Drinkwater O.E.S., a charter member of Daughters of the Nile in Regina, Past Matron of Coquitlam O.E.S., a member of the Optimist Society, the Rose Society and the Running Club in Coquitlam. She was a volunteer at the Como Lake United Church and worked as a coordinator of the soup’s sandwich program, was a member of the church choir, and also helped out in the church office. She was also involved in various senior groups in the community, the Cancer Society, a life member of Beta Sigma Phi, and a member of the Coquitlam Legion #263 for 30 years. At 72 she started running and ran for the senior games. She and Les travelled all over the globe competing and in 1992 in Australia mom broke the world’s record for the woman’s 80+ over 100 meter race - a record she holds to this day. The family would like to the thank the Dr.’s and nursing staff at Eagle Ridge on 2 West, MCU, and C2B, for their excellent care of mom. Also, a big heartfelt thank you to the 2nd floor care staff at Dufferin Care home. And to Les for his love and care towards mom - thank you. Memorial Service to be held at 1:30 pm on Friday, January 22nd at the Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont Street, Coquitlam. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer's Society or the Heart & Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated. Mom, you were an amazing woman, independent, funny, stubborn, feisty, loving, and strong - an inspiration to us all. We are so grateful to have had you for so long.