Pearl Anne Doucette

born March 8, 1938 died June 22, 2022

Anne passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. Anne was born in Kamloops, one of 9 children of Tessie and John Dillabough. She is survived by her sisters Louise Jess, Maureen Rode (Rudy), and brother Raymond Dillabough. She is survived by 10 children Janet (Brent), Tony, Joanne (Lloyd), Catherine (Dave), Laurie (Jeff), Linda (Wayne), Russell (Donna), Adele (Steve), Yvonne (Sid), Daniel (Susan) and 26 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews.

Anne grew up on the Kamloops reserve and always felt a strong attachment to her Tk’emlups community, it grounded her and always drew her back. Even after spending years away, it was the place that helped to shape who she was. That wasn’t an easy thing- she didn’t always feel a sense of belonging as a part Secwepmc, part English person. She faced stigmas in both worlds and wasn’t always accepted in either camp. But those struggles gave her courage and strength that helped her forge a fierce sense of independence. She was determined to succeed in whatever she took on- and she did, passing those values onto her family. She found true happiness in coming back home. Tk’emlups was always home- where she was meant to be.

Raising a large family is an accomplishment- a feat on its own. Anne created more than that, she built a legacy. She had a keen ability to make each one of us feel like we mattered. Her families accomplishments large and small was something she was very proud of. The family she raised is one filled with love and support for one another.

In addition to raising a large family, she also went to work. Working in restaurants and care facilities, owning a restaurant in Keremeos and a sandwich shop in Kelowna. She was always a good cook and continued to produce tasty food for anyone and everyone who came to her house. She also worked for many years for the Tk’emlups band in the housing department and served on the board for the Sk’elep school. One of her crowning achievements was when she was elected to be a band councillor for 2 terms. Her portfolio was housing. She was always humble about this- but when asked why she got involved in, she said her adopted sisters Freda and Jeanette Jules and her adopted mother Delores Jules told her it was her responsibility as a member of the family and as a band member. The glimmer in her eyes, the smile on her face as she shared her accomplishments as councillor showed how proud she was to give back to her community and gave her an immense sense of belonging that she didn’t have as a child.

When she wasn’t working she loved to be in her garden. She enjoyed gardening throughout her life. She shared her joy and knowledge of gardening with everyone. When she came home to her new home on the reserve, few of us can forget the desert landscape that greeted her. It was a labor of love that transformed her yard into what it is today. It became a labor of love for her family as well, sage brush and tumble weeds were cleared..memory trees planted along with countless shrubs,perennials and garden features were installed.Her yard has held weddings, graduations, reunions, dinners. Anne’s pride for her garden and her family are intertwined, it has brought us home in times of joy and celebration and in times of grief. We, her family are forever grateful for all the things that she was…

Anne was laid to rest June 27, 2022 in Tk’emlups Pen Pen. (Cemetery at St. Joseph’s)

She is home.

In memory of Anne donations to the Kidney Foundation are appreciated.