September 5, 1925 – May 11, 2016
at the age of 90 years
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2016, 11:00 a.m. at Fischer’s Funeral Services, 4060 1st Ave. SW, Salmon Arm (250) 833-2219.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing on May 11, of Maire Spelay, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother of our family.
She is survived by son Jerry Spelay (Marci), daughter Corinne Miller (Darren), Jim Spelay (Dina), and daughter-in-law Donna Spelay as well as grandchildren, David Spelay, Rick Spelay, Tom Spelay (Alex), Kristi Spelay (Joey), Ashleigh Spelay, Colman Spelay, Jeffrey Miller, Kimberly Miller, Steven Miller, Rachel Miller, Jennifer Spelay, Ryan Spelay, Sean Spelay and five great grandchildren – Miyah, Parker, Lewis, Lincoln and Alexis.
She was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, John Spelay in February 2004, sons Don and Ted, sister Dorothy Spelay and brother Leo Kingelin.
Maire was born in Kokkula, Finland in 1925 and immigrated to Canada with her mother in 1929. Her family homesteaded in Sicamous where her father had set up a year prior. Maire was the oldest of three children with a sister and brother and the family worked hard to make a living.
Maire married John Spelay in 1948 and together they raised their 5 children in Salmon Arm. Mom was the center of our busy family and our home was always filled with friends, laughter and happiness. She was always involved with her children’s sports; she volunteered at the Salmon Arm fall fair and had many blue ribbon entries of her home. She enjoyed bowling, crocheting, fishing, poetry, photography, and entertaining friends. She was always up for a friendly game of scrabble or crib, and had an amazing love of writing letters and cards to her ever ending list of friends all over the world.
Maire adored her grandchildren and they loved her too. She had a wonderful way of making everyone she met feel special and welcome in her home.
All those who are left behind to cherish her memory will dearly miss her.
So so sad to hear about Maire’s passing…
she was such a sweetheart… she will be
greatly missed…. Jackie
I have fond memories of your Mom when we were teenagers growing up. She always had a friendly smile on her face. My deepest sympathy to you Corinne, and your family, on the loss of your Mom and brother, Ted.
My sadness is tempered by the fact that Maire enjoyed a very long, healthy life and passed away peacefully and without suffering.
With deepest heartfelt sympathy to your family with the loss of a wonderful and beautiful person. Many beautiful memories of Maire will always shine through. Maire was my cherished neighbor and she will always be remembered for her infectious smile and warm welcome. Visits were always good times with her, she knew how to touch with the heart, a special gift that she possessed and knew how to use it. Sharing the loss of Maire who meant so much to so many, and keeping you close in thought…