1 week Ago By BY wire.service
In loving memory ~ Our Mom passed away at the North Okanagan Hospice on February 19th, 2024, after living with dementia the last couple of years of her life. As someone who always put family first, it was fitting that she passed away on Family Day, with her loved ones nearby. She is survived by Brad (Shari), Jill and Jennifer (Cam); grandchildren, Scott, Matt, Katharyn (Dylan) and Nolan; the Jennings/Price families and the Strachan Clan.
Mom was born on January 24th, 1934 to Edith (nee Price) and Bernard Jennings in Victoria, B.C. After graduating from Oak Bay High, she moved to Ottawa to study nursing at the Ottawa Civic Hospital and graduated in 1955.
While in Ottawa, Mom developed a life-long interest in diabetes care as she volunteered with Camp Banting which provides the camp experience to children with Type 1 Diabetes. Mom met our father on one of her visits home and wed James (Jim) Strachan from Courtney, B.C.
in 1959. In 1966, they moved to Vernon to raise their family. They loved life in the Okanagan, enjoyed family life, their careers, camping, traveling and giving back to the community.
Mom had a successful nursing career where she specialized in the field of Diabetes. She started the education program at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. The program was successful, and day clinics were eventually provided in Enderby and Armstrong.
She was a strong advocate for citizens living with Diabetes and was named to a Diabetes Canada National Advocate Council. Her dedication to patients was evident in the many volunteer hours she devoted to individuals living with this disease. No matter what hour of the day the patient call came in, Mom made the time.
In 1986 she was recognized by the Canadian Diabetes Association with an Outstanding Educator in the Field of Diabetes Care Award and in 1991 she received the Excellence in Nursing Award by the B.C. Registered Nursing Association.
Mom lived to help others and volunteered for many years in the city. This included being deeply involved for over 35 years with the Kokanee Swim Club, 20 years with Vernon Community Policing and many years with Vernon Tourism. Her dedication to the City of Vernon was recognized in 2015 when she was named Citizen of the Year.
Our gratitude is extended to Dr. Tim Gilhooly, Nyla Wilby and Home Care 3, Susan Schmidt and the team at Nolans Pharmasave and North Okanagan Hospice for supporting Mom as we cared for her at home over these past couple of years. We could not have fulfilled her wish to stay in her own home until the end, without your support.
We would like to thank the many friends and family that have sent their condolences. In memory of a life well lived, we would welcome you to stop by the Church to share a memory, a laugh or story about Mom as we say goodbye to her. This gathering of recognition and celebration of our Mom's life will take place at Trinity United Church, 3300 Alexis Park Drive, on Saturday, September 21st, 2024 at 1:30 P.
M. As an expression of sympathy, those of you who would like to send a memorial contribution in memory of Mom, please consider donating to an organization that supports better lives for children or animals - both of which were so very dear to her heart. Cremation arrangements were made with BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD.
, 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5 250-542-1187.
