PETCH, MINNIE FRANCES 1922 - 2009 With sorrow we announce the passing of Minnie Frances Petch on March 8, 2009. Minnie leaves to mourn her loving son and daughter-in-law Bruce and Mary, daughter Mavis and partner Jim, and grandchildren Nico, Alex and Amelia, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Archie, sisters Mary, Florence, Edith and Grace, and husband Vern. Minnie was born in LeRoy, Saskatchewan, second child of William and Frances Crowter. After finishing high school, she studied to be a teacher in Normal School in Saskatoon. She met Vern in Calder, Saskatchewan. They later married and moved to Red Lake, Ontario where they established a retail business (Petch's What Not Shop) and raised their children. They had long been attracted to beautiful B.C. and moved to Grand Forks to set up a new Macleod's hardware store. This venture was short-lived and they moved on to Merritt where Vern worked at Craigmont Mine and Minnie as a substitute teacher. As their children finished high school and moved away, Minnie and Vern sought adventure in the north at a remote mine site called Canada Tungsten. They enjoyed the northern life and camaraderie of a mining camp for a few years, and then retired to Fanny Bay and later Courtenay on Vancouver Island. When Bruce and family settled in Kamloops, Minnie and Vern returned to Merritt to be nearby. After Vern's passing in 2001, Minnie moved to Kamloops, just down the street from her beloved grandchildren. In Kamloops, Minnie enjoyed the friendship and support of the White Cane Club (Minnie lived with visual impairment from macular degeneration), the seniors' shopping group, the Kamloops library audio book home service, and her dear friend Ruth. Minnie lived a rich, full life and persevered through many difficulties with grace and a determined, generous spirit. Her support for her children and grandchildren never wavered. Minnie also contributed to projects in developing countries for many years through World Neighbours Canada. Sincere thanks to Dr. Anders and Tammy, Janice and Dr. Proctor at the Cancer Clinic, and Bonnie and Shirley for the compassionate care provided to Minnie in her final months. No formal service by request. On-line condolences may be expressed at http://www.schoenings.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the White Cane Club or World Neighbours Canada. Arrangements entrusted to Schoening Funeral Service, telephone (250)374-1454