April 5, 1922 - February 14, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Miriam Elaine Starkie nee Mayes, was welcomed into the loving arms of her Saviour on Valentine's Day February 14, 2023. Born in Regina Saskatchewan, on April 5, 1922, with the doctor, arriving via horse and buggy.
Mom moved to Vancouver attending her first year of school there and later moved to various locations in the vicinity. Some of her favourite childhood homes were in West Vancouver and Lynn Valley where she enjoyed swimming in the ocean and hiking the many North Shore trails.
Growing up during the Great Depression, she sacrificed much; taking low-paying jobs to help support her family. Meeting our dad Jack in 1939 and marrying a year later, they spent their honeymoon on Grouse Mountain in the cabin our father helped build with their many friends in the Rambler's ski club.
She learned to ski and snowshoe at a time when there was no ski lift requiring a hefty hike to ski down the slopes.
In 1942 Mom and Dad purchased and moved to a small farm on the corner of Johnston and Davis Roads in Surrey (Now 152nd Street & 88th Avenue). Raising chickens and tending a large garden much of the time by herself as her husband had volunteered for duty with the Royal Canadian Air Force.
During the Second World War food was scarce and her father-in-law happened to meet Nat Bailey who offered to buy all the strawberries they could supply for the original White Spot Restaurant on Granville Street.
Mom participated and volunteered in many community events such as Mayday in the Fleetwood community in Surrey and was the first to sign the petition to create Fleetwood Elementary School. She taught Sunday school in the area and supported community projects such as the creation of Surrey Memorial Hospital.
Mom enjoyed needle crafts and sewing often making clothing for herself and the family. Mom had an interest in fashion design, but unfortunately, due to circumstances was unable to pursue that. Mom enjoyed the holidays, travelling to the Rockies and Vancouver Island on many family camping and boating trips.
Despite declining health and a decade of dialysis in her last years, Mom lived to go for regular outings and day trips calling it her therapy, she loved the fresh air and the out of doors spending many happy hours travelling in the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island. Some of her favourite locations were Harrison Hot Springs and Butchart Gardens, especially the gift store!
Thanks to the care received at the Renal Units of Surrey Memorial and Nanaimo Regional Hospitals, Mom was able to enjoy her golden years with assisted living in Surrey before moving to Nanaimo's Wexford Creek Seniors in 2019 where she celebrated her centenary in 2022!
Mom's passing was preceded by her husband Jack and eldest son Robert (Irene) and survived by her daughter Cathrine (Bruce) and youngest son Ronald as well as grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews throughout BC.
A celebration of life will take place at a later date. The family wishes to thank Mom's many friends and caregiving family whom she appreciated very much.
It was most appropriate Mom passed on Valentine's Day; someone who loved and was loved by many, her positive outlook, cheery smile and sweet voice touched us all.
"Till we meet again"
The family wishes to thank the NRGH Palliative Care Unit and Mom's many friends and care giving family whom she appreciated very much.