With grace, dignity and serenity, our mother and grandmother,

Molly Ann Frenette

passed away in the early morning hours of April 25, 2010. Born Mary Lee Lucia Kenny on June 10th, 1916 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Molly was raised in Kenora, Ontario. Losing her mom when she was four years old, Molly was adopted by Anna and Douglas Ferguson at the age of ten.

Molly had many great adventures, few being for the soft-of-heart, beginning with her enrollment in the air force for WW II where she served in Britain as a motor transport driver. Marrying our father, John Robert Frenette, in 1948, she had three children Douglas (Terry), Jane (Jim), and John and raised them over the course of many military transfers until the family settled in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan in 1957.

Coming into her own when she retired from her medical receptionist position, Molly hitch-hiked at the age of 60 from Saskatoon to North Dakota in order to catch a flight to Mardi Gras and beyond. An adventurer at heart, she enjoyed trips to both Africa and New Zealand in her 70’s and 80’s and, at the age of 68, Molly made her home on Salt Spring Island.  At 93 she moved with her daughter Jane, son-in-law Jim, and faithful pet Bogart (a.k.a. Bow Wow) to Armstrong, B.C. Always up for one more adventure, Molly embraced life with wide-eyed joy and everyday delight in the pleasure brought to her by her family which, by now, included two granddaughters Rebecca (Billy) and Susannah (Jason) from Calgary, Alberta.

Molly will always be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her strong-willed independence, her unselfish consideration of others and her unending appreciation of the world around her.

Molly will be treasured and greatly missed by all those who knew her and we wish her well on her last great trip. At Molly’s request, no service will be held but joyful music will be played and her remains will be cremated and interred with her mother, Isabella Kenny at Lake of the Woods Cemetery in Kenora, Ontario.

John Gething, aged 102 years passed away peacefully on April 18, 2010 at Lady Minto Hospital.

Predeceased by his beloved wife Betty, John will be sadly missed by his daughter Rosemary Groves (Ron), Granddaughters Carolyn MacEachern (Scott Syme), Sue MacEachern (Bruce Haug), and his Great grandson Thomas Syme who is 100 years younger than John.

It is a true testament to the community spirit of Saltspring Island which supported John so that he could remain independent and at home until his final day. Special thanks to Dr. David Woodley for his excellent care, compassion and the many house calls. Sincere gratitude for the loving care, respect and dedication provided by the exceptional team of home support workers. In particular, the family expresses heartfelt thanks to Paula, Phil, Shannon and Suzanne. Thank you to Barbara for keeping the schedule on an even keel. Thank you also to Bill McKenzie for his weekly grocery runs.

No service by request. If desired, donations in John’s name may be made to the CNIB (BC/Yukon division).

January 17, 1921 –

April 15, 2010

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Thomas Cross from Ganges, BC on Thursday, April 15, 2010.

He is survived by his loving wife Mable, whom he was married to for 67 years after being high school sweethearts. A proud and caring father, he will be remembered with admiration and love by his sons, Richard Cross of Ganges, BC and Michael Cross of Ganges, BC.

Born in York Township, Ontario, Thomas was blessed with a caring family life with parents, William and Isabelle Cross. Thomas excelled in school, skipping three grade years before graduating his senior year with Commercial Certification. In World War Two, he served as a volunteer Lieutenant Flight Officer with the RAF Bomber Command. After his sorties working as a navigator, he studied Architechtural Drafting by correspondence. Reunited back with his wife after three years, he worked at Swift’s Meat Packers in Toronto, as Plant Operations Draftsman. At night and on weekends, he studied Civil Technology Engineering through the APEO. In 1959, after challenging all the exams and practicum, he was awarded his Professional Engineering Degree and Certification with a Gold Seal. During this time while working full time at Swift’s, he was promoted to Plant Operation Superintendent. In the late ‘60s, Thomas went to work with the Province of Ontario Ministry of the Environment. He was instrumental in developing and managing as a Senior Director, three branches of the Ministry; Air Resources, Water Resources and Industrial Approvals.

Thomas was a do-it-yourself man. He built his first home in Cooksville, Ontario with the help of his father and brother. He built his last home here on Salt Spring, with the help of local island contractors. For the enjoyment of his family, he built a cottage in the Haliburton Highlands in Ontario and constructed four boats for our pleasure there. He enjoyed gardening in his Japanese garden yard at his home here, and cruising the local waters in his sailboat, Maysong II. He volunteered with the local Water District, the Salt Spring Sailing Club and the Salt Spring Golf Club.

The Cross family is grateful for the excellent, caring staff at the Lady Minto Hospital Emergency and Acute Care Unit and especially Dr. David Woodley for his compassionate care and guidance.

A celebration of Thomas’ life will be held at the Salt Spring Island Golf Club, Sunday May 2nd, 2010 @ 3pm-6pm. For details, please contact Michael Cross @ 250.537.4108 or email mikeinganges@yahoo.ca

(nee Rudge)

Born in Red Marley, Worchestershire, England Sept. 9, 1907, she passed away peacefully, aged 102 years and 7 months, on April 15, 2010.

She saw so many changes and always embraced new ideas. She loved to travel and play golf & bridge.

After being widowed, she immigrated to Canada at the age of 72 & enjoyed her life in Guelph, Ontario until moving to Salt Spring Island for her last 16 years.

She is remembered by friends and numerous nephews & nieces in England. She is survived by her duaghter, grandson, great-grandson & son in law’s Tanti family.

A celebration of life to be held at a later date.

(nee Cook)

January 19, 1924-April 5, 2010

Passed away at Lady Minto Hospital after a brief illness.  She is survived by her loving family who will truly miss her kindness and humour; daughters Alexandra Fischer, Salt Spring Island, and Jane Reid, Nova Scotia, granddaughters Amy Fischer-Oestrem, Norway and Katherine Fischer, Victoria, sister Amy van den Heuvel, Ontario, and  brother Jack Cook, England.  Predeceased by sister Jenny Norton and husband Clayton Reid.

Florence (aka Flossie, Flan and Figg) came to Canada as a warbride, originally from Farncombe, Surrey, England, and lived in Ottawa and Manotick ON, Victoria BC and for the last 17 years on Salt Spring Island, which she loved.  She was always a writer, of stories and plays and poetry, a raconteur and a comedienne.  She graduated with a BA (with distinction) at 54 from Carleton University, ran singlehanded fundraising campaigns for OXFAM (Ethiopia) and Katrina victims, participated and taught for many years in the Margaret Morris Movement attaining orange level, was a Reiki Master, and enjoyed singing in the All Saints choir as well a baking cookies tirelessly for Soup’s On. Despite many health setbacks and infirmities her cup was always half full and she gave generously of herself.

The family is grateful for all the kind care Florence has received for the past two years at Braehaven, to Dr. Magda Leon and Marjorie Lane and for her final care by the wonderful staff at Lady Minto Hospital.  A memorial service will be held at All Saints Anglican church Tuesday May 4 at 1:30PM.  Interment at St. Mary’s in Fulford Harbour.  In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make a donation to  Lady Minto Hospital or the All Saints Anglican Church Parish in her memory.

November 6, 1924 – April 5, 2010

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Elise (Lise) Olsen of Ganges, BC, on Monday, April 5, 2010, in the presence of and surrounded by the love of her family.

Lise was predeceased by Oluf, her perfect soulmate and partner in adventure for 53 years. A very proud and loving mother, Lise will be missed but always remembered with love, admiration and pride by son Ken Olsen and his wife, Susan, of LaConner, Washington, daughter Linda Olsen of Vancouver, and daughter Kirstine Hughes, her husband Lindsay, and their daughter Sarah, of Redmond, Washington.

Born in Copenhagen, Lise began her adventuring at an early age. She was a national champion in badminton as a teen, active in the Danish Resistance during WWII, and became a member of the first crew with Scandinavian Air Service following a stint in England as a student nurse. After returning to Denmark with her infant son, Ken, Lise pursued careers in interior decorating, modeling, and assistance in radio production. She was discovered by Oluf, a young and handsome Danish American engineer, who had been posted to Europe in support of NATO, where he was simultaneously discovering his roots in Denmark. Finding Lise there was his bonus. “Ole” swept her off her feet, happy to take her and her young son, Ken, to join him in his own adventures. The young family began in Denmark, but soon moved to Germany, then to the US, and then to Vancouver in the early ’70s where they became avid sailors and members of RVYC. They soon discovered Salt Spring Island, and were so inspired by the island and its friendly community that they decided to retire here, following 10 years on assignment in Saudi Arabia. In 1999, Ole and Lise bought and refitted a 100-year old Dutch barge and embarked on a 3 year cruise of the European waterways.

Lise enjoyed life in the Ganges community, and was grateful for her many very dear friends with whom she was able to pursue two of her greatest passions, needlework and bridge. Lise will be remembered for her elegance, her love of fine food, her generosity of knowledge and spirit, and for her stories of her greatest adventure, her life with Ole.

The Olsen family is forever grateful to the excellent, caring staff of Lady Minto Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in support of the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation.

A celebration of Lise’s life will be held on May 1, 2010 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m at All Saints By The Sea, 110 Park Drive, Ganges.