Mona Juanita Saemerow of Kamloops, B.C. passed away on June 16, 2012 at 85 years of age.

She is survived by her loving children Nels (Helen) Saemerow of Kamloops, B.C., Brenda (Jim) Wiss of Sedro-Woodley, WA, grandchildren Kelli (Steve) Garber of Stanwood, WA, Jason (Karen) Garrood of Mukilteo, WA, great grandchildren Trevor and Macy Garrood and Jeffrey Garber, sisters-in-law Helen Saemerow of Kamloops, B.C. and Sophie Saemerow of Knutsford, B.C.

Mona was predeceased by her husband Melvine Saemerow and her brother Norman Chester.

Mona was born September 21, 1926 to Bertrand and Elizabeth Chester at Copper Creek. She grew up on the family farm at Red Lake. She married Melvine Saemerow on September 18, 1946. Their son Nels was born in 1947, followed by their daughter Brenda in 1950. Their early years were spent in the Kamloops area, primarily at Heffley Creek, then they moved to New Westminster in 1956.

In her role as wife and mother, Mona spent countless hours serving on the PTA at the schools of her children. Mona's very creative talents were turned to needle work first, then she started making miniatures and became well-known for her work. She served as president of Miniature Club of BC, was a National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts member and frequented Mini conventions and meetings throughout the US and Western Canada. In addition to the miniature-making, she was a talented teddy-bear maker working as the Every Bear Different Company. After Mel retired, they moved back to Kamloops in 1987, Mona continued her creativity and at the age of 80, took up writing. She has three published books and a fourth will be published soon. Family was important to her, as were her many treasured friends.

The family would like to give a special thank you to her niece Sally and to all the health care professionals.

Memorial donations may be made to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation.

A Memorial Tea will take place on Saturday, June 23, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. at 2185 Ponderosa Avenue.

Arrangements entrusted to
Kamloops Funeral Home
250-554-2577
Condolences may be emailed to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com