MacRAE: CHARLENE KAY (nee MILLER) passed away with courage and dignity in the early morning of August 16th following a brief illness. She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon, in 2001; and infant grandson, Robbie Lay in 1998. Her spirit will continue on in her children, Catherine (Greg Lay), Kaslo, BC; Gordon (Shauna), Winnipeg, MB; and Stephen (Judi), Prince George, BC; her ten grandchildren, and one great
grand-daughter. Dave Adams, her dear friend for the past seven years, will always think of Charlene when he revisits special places where they hiked, cycled, skied, or travelled. Her sister, Nina Donaldson, two nieces, numerous great nieces and nephews, her many friends, and her colleagues in the medical field will remember her often with love and laughter.
Charlene was born in Vancouver, BC and spent her early years living in Brookmeer, Princeton, and finally Trail, following her father who was a telegrapher for the Canadian Pacific Railway. Charlene graduated from J.L. Crowe High School in 1954 and went to Vancouver General Hospital to train as a Registered Nurse. After Charlene started work at the Trail Hospital, she met Gordon, a handsome young man from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and learned to downhill ski so she could keep up with him. They were married in 1960 and raised their children in Nelway where Gordon worked as a Customs Officer. Charlene grew large gardens and preserved vast quantities of food each year which reflected her depression era values. Charlene returned to nursing newborns in the Trail Hospital when her children were older. She and Gordon retired to their dream home in Appledale in 1988 where they spent thirteen happy years. After Gordon’s death, Charlene moved first to Nelson and then back to Trail.
Charlene’s service will be held on Monday, August 23, 2010, 1:00 PM at Carberry’s Chapel, 1298 Pine Avenue in Trail. Al Grywacheski of Personal Alternative Funeral Services “Carberry’s Chapel” is entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations made in Charlene’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 908 Rossland Avenue, Trail, BC V1R 3N6, will be appreciated by the family.