Miranda Ila was the first born of Eryn and Allen Dalton. She was born on March 29th, 1980 in the Fort St. John Hospital. She was one day short of sharing her Grandma Ila Shelkie's birthday and her Grandmother considered another grandchild a great birthday present.
Miranda had a great love of the outdoors and camping. She really loved going on Girl Guide camping trips, learning how to build a fire and building a bed out of tree boughs. One of Miranda's passions in her teen years was drawing, especially animals.
Miranda's twin brothers, Nathan and Matthew were born in Feb, 1986 and she took the job of mommy's helper very seriously. As the boys grew she was very protective of her brothers, but as their Big Sister she would on occasion also lead them on an adventure or two.
Miranda always knew she didn't want to work in an office as she loved the outdoors too much, so after she graduated from North Peace high school in 1998, she went to work as a labourer and a welder's helper for various employers around the area.
On Dec 19/2003 Miranda's first daughter, Casey Ila was born. Miranda was thrilled and threw herself into being a new mom. When Casey was 5 months old she found out that she was pregnant again but she took it all in stride and said that with the kids being so close together they would always have a playmate. Ashlynn Miranda was born on Feb 28/ 2005. Miranda loved her girls very much. She enjoyed throwing elaborate birthday parties for them and she introduced them to her love of drawing and would proudly display her daughter's masterpieces on her walls.
During this time Miranda became interested in photography. She took a course and saved up to buy an expensive camera. She loved taking pictures of her girls and they learned that when mom got the camera out, they were to be smiling. Miranda took well over 10,000 photos, mostly of her girls and family.
On Sept. 28/2007, Miranda's third daughter, Emmaline Catherine was born. She was overjoyed to have another beautiful daughter …. And the picture taking continued.
After being a stay-at-home mom for a few years, she decided to start a career and registered in 'The Women In Trades Program' in 2010. She focused on pipefitting. Miranda threw herself into getting work experience and establishing herself in the oil and gas industry.
In the summer of 2012 Miranda met Ryan Arnold. Almost from the beginning they knew they had a special connection together. Ryan was a great support and encourager to Miranda. He was always there for her and the girls.
Miranda worked for many employers in the Fort St John area over the last few years. She always had a smile for everyone; and she never met a person who was not her friend. She had an abundance of energy and was always on the go. Her incredible smile and whirlwind approach will be missed.
The Family wish to thank each and every person who has reached out to support us during this tragic time. The outpouring of prayers, words of comfort and encouragement are appreciated so much. Thanks to everyone who sent flowers, or provided food, or shared a special story, or picture of Miranda. Special thanks to Heather French who was always there in the darkest hours, and to the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Sisters who provided fantastic dinners, and such support and love. Thank you to Pastor Michael Hayes, of the Calvary Baptist Church for his support and officiating at the funeral service and to the ladies of the Baptist Church for providing the luncheon and tea after the service. Thanks to Ric Hamre for the funeral arrangements.
The best of Miranda and her legacy lives on within her three daughters, Casey, Ashlynn and Emmaline…The girls have a Guardian Angel watching over them, and Miranda will be forever loved and remembered.