Maureen was born on October 26, 1934 in Regina, Saskatchewan to parents Mary and John Litherland. She lived there most of her childhood and as a teenager she moved with her family to Okanagan Falls and attended and graduated from South Okanagan High School. She also attended Okanagan Business College. In 1953 the family moved to Salmo where she met and later married Paul Koochin and had three children.
Maureen worked at various jobs in Salmo, including the Drug Store, F. R. Rotter Lumber Co., Louisiana Pacific and Canada Post. She was a Life Member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #217 and served as the President and Treasurer for a number of terms.
Maureen was a collector and over the years has saved a large collection of
memorabilia that includes newspaper clippings from every significant event and accomplishment of members of her family and the community. She loved to work with numbers and often amazed her grandchildren by the math problems she could do in her head. She enjoyed crossword puzzles, soduko and reading.
In February of 2010 Maureen suffered a stroke and was unable to live at home, she took up residence in Jubilee Manor in Nelson and quite enjoyed being fussed over and looked after. She managed to keep everyone entertained with her quick wit and matter of fact personality.
Maureen is survived by her children Brian (Gail) Koochin, Sheri (Wally) Huser and Rodney (Brandy) Koochin, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her sister Norma Waterstreet, her sister-in-law Dawn (Walter) Kuit and many nieces and nephews.
A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Maureen’s memory may be made to the Salmo Valley Newsletter.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca