Molly E. Lauder died peacefully November 8th, 2010, at Gillis House, Merritt, B.C., with her daughter Barbara at her side.

Molly was born in Vancouver, B.C., on March 10th, 1922, the fifth child of George and Mary Martin. She spent her childhood in Brookmere, B.C., later completing Junior Matriculation in Vancouver and Senior Matriculation in Merritt. In 1941, Molly married Joe Lauder and began her life as a rancher's wife in the Nicola Valley. She was an accomplished needlewoman, watercolour artist, photographer and gardener. The door was always open at the ranch and Molly loved to entertain friends and was happiest when all the family was at home. Molly gave back to the community as the rural school trustee for many years. Molly was also an active member of the hospital auxiliary for the "old" hospital and when the present hospital was built. Molly was the "story lady" at Diamondvale School and thoroughly enjoyed her time reading to the pre-school children. Over the years, Molly was a loyal supporter of the Nicola Valley Fall Fair and her excellent hand quilting, knitting, sewing, smocking and painting were often recognized. Old timers will remember Molly's "floats" in the July 1st parades, which she designed and built, sewing all the elaborate costumes herself. During the 1950's, Molly was a plane spotter for the RCAF, and between her children, who were usually playing out-of-doors, and Molly, who was often in her garden, very few planes went "un-spotted" in the ranch airspace. Molly loved the night skies and enjoyed pointing out the different constellations to her family. Molly was an excellent crib player and even when her health was failing, she never turned down an invitation to play.

Molly was predeceased by her husband Joe, infant daughter Mary, sisters Christine and Margery, brothers Jack and Jim, niece Janet, nephews Martin and Michael, and son-in-law Chuck.

She will be missed by her five children, Joanna (Lloyd), Sara (Greg), Barbara, John (Jean) and Sam; her sister Suzanne (Jack); niece Mollie (John); nephew Arthur (Betty); and her very caring friend Nick. Molly will also be missed by her ten grandsons, Brendan (Nancy), Michael (Christine), Jonathan (Deanna), Adam, Erik, Ian, Joe, Jim, Darien and Brandon; and her four great-grandchildren, Donovan, Bryn, Rhea and Moira.

A Celebration of Molly's long and full Life will be held at the Quilchena Hotel, Quilchena, B.C. on Saturday, November 13th, 2010, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Molly's name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.