August 25, 1931 – December 29, 2020
at the age of 89 years
It is with profound sadness that we, the family of Elizabeth Thersia Montgomery (Gaschler) of Salmon Arm announce to you her family, friends, congregation, and community of her peaceful passing on December 29, 2020 at Salmon Arm Hospital.
She is survived by her children and grandchildren Patricia Pappas – Rebecca & Christy, Michelle Easterbrook – fur babies Mickey & Chicklet, Sandra Montgomery – Bowen, Genie & Joy, Larry Montgomery (Jo Anne) – Cody, Evan & Matthew, Debra Bowles (Michael)- Bridgit, Trinity, Garhett and six delightful great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother John Gaschler, sister Frances Menzies and numerous nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband of 39 years Kenneth and granddaughter Stephanie.
2020, unlike any other in her prior 89 years was a challenging year for her, as it was for so many others as well. But it was a good life for mom.
She was born in Regina on August 25th, 1931. In her 12th year, her family relocated to North Vancouver to make it home where she flourished. At 20 she embarked on an adventure of her own to the big city of Toronto to work for Pitney Bowes. While back home on vacation in BC, she went to the Clinton Dude Ranch where she met her handsome knight in shining armour (sort of) and a new adventure began for the two of them. It was a whirlwind romance and he whisked her away to California where they married and started their family. Five years later they returned to BC to a whole host of new challenges. Together life took them to all four corners of this beautiful province before retiring to their favourite spot – Salmon Arm – where they finally planted their permanent roots.
She enjoyed and found strength in her Faith based family and friends throughout her lifetime. The many deeply profound friendships she forged with her creative sisters in her quilting group and the raucous fun she had with her Churches Thrift Store buddies…we’ve seen pictures!!
We are grateful for the care she received these past months, both at Bastion Place and Shuswap Lake Hospital. A special thank you to her nurse Carissa for her hugely compassionate heart while caring for mom and us in these last few trying days. Our heartfelt thank you to all the Doctors from Shuswap Family Practice. Words cannot convey how very grateful we are for your many kindnesses, helpful advice and outstanding medical care.
In lieu of flowers, donations to your local SPCA would be gratefully appreciated. Mom always loved the fur friends, she is no doubt walking Dudley this very minute meeting and greeting all his new friends.
Prayers welcomed anytime by any denomination. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date.
We are sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s passing. We were great friends in Tumbler Ridge where we shared family, a lot of laughs and some tears. Elizabeth was a wonderful lady and she will be missed.
It was an honour and a privilege to spend time on this earth with Elizabeth (never shortened to Liz). With a zest for life and a twinkle in your eye you made adult silliness an artform. A gift to be sure. I will miss our personal and verbal adventures to places sometimes unknown, our spiritual discourses, hours spent mauling beautiful fabric. My sorrow is penetrating. Your pain is now gone so rest now my dear friend rest.
I am glad to have known Elizabeth. She was always so friendly and had a beautiful smile. Will be honoured to attend a service for her when that is possible.
Michelle and family, we want you to know we are thinking of you as we heard of your mom’s passing. She was such a nice lady and would always stop to say hi when we ran into one another. You could see her smile for far away and you couldn’t help but smile back.
To Michelle, Sandra, Debra, Larry, Patricia and families
It is with sadness that I say good bye to Elizabeth, a dear friend, a knowledgeable quilter and one of the best ushers St. Joseph’s has ever had. Your mom will be sorely missed.
In sympathy, thoughts and prayers to you, her children.
So sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s passing. It was a joy to have known her. I am sure she is kicking up her heels in heaven making joy to every one she meets
So sorry to hear of Elizabeth’s passing. We enjoyed her so much at St. Josephs functions we attended. Our condolences – Lawrence and Margaret Filiatrault
Our condolences to you Michelle and family. She will be missed. We always had some fun and laughs when we got together! Loved her spirit!
I had the great gift of getting to know this dynamo. What I celebrate in Elizabeth was her joy she shared with all the people who had the honour of being in her space. She had open arms for life…..a heart that knew no boundaries and a smile that lit the room. Her love has touched a myriad of us on Earth….. now it will be the skies that light as she takes her place amongst the stars!
Couldn’t ask for a better mother in law. Will miss you.
My dearest Mom, I miss you so much already and will carry you with me for all eternity.
Rest well, you deserve it.
I love you so much.