Caroline Mary McClelland

Mom was born to Aloysius and Emma Coffey of Newfoundland, one of sixteen siblings, all of whom have now passed. Her stories of growing up on the “Rock” were shared with us as we grew up with the occasional rendition of a Newfie folk song. We reserve the right to keep Mom’s singing abilities a secret to only us!

After moving to Ontario and getting a job, at what would become her Mother in law’s care home, she met our Father Gordon McClelland. They were married and had their first of three children (Gorden) in St Catharine’s Ontario. Mom and Dad then moved west to BC and along came their second child (Spring) born in Surrey, After mainly settling down in Prince George BC they welcomed their third child (Mike) to the family.

Mom was busy raising her three kids and also worked outside the home at various jobs including care homes which she ended up doing on a private level. She was a compassionate and empathetic Caregiver to the seniors that she housed and some became a part of our family and even spent the holidays with us.

Our family holidays were always epic with Mom’s cooking being the centre and binding factor in Christmas and Thanksgiving! Her Turkey Dinners and left over stuffing were always subject to fighting over who got them. Her Date squares, black forest cake, rice pudding and my personal favorite Jiggs Dinner will live on forever in our memories!

Mom was a caregiver in long-term care until our father’s illness in 2004 and ultimately his passing in 2005 at age 56. They had moved to Kelowna and Mom remained there until her death. Mom became an avid walker and joined a walking group in Kelowna who became her closest friends. Neighbors in her apartment building spoke of her witty sense of humour and kind acts.

Mom was diagnosed with dementia and a fall and broken hip was the beginning of a downward spiral for her. She ended up at Brandt’s Creek Mews where the staff took amazing care of her.

She was loved by the staff for her story telling and sense of humour and our family is grateful for them keeping Mom safe! Mom is now free of dementia and I am sure singing Squid Jigging grounds with her family that she so dearly missed

Survived by Son (Gorden/Yvonne), daughter (Spring/Brian), Son (Mike/Barb); Grandchildren – Riley, Katelin/Troy, Maddy; Great grandchildren -Maya

Predeceased by Parents Aloysius and Emma Coffey; Siblings – Kevin, Leo, Raymond, Aloysious, Christine, Donald, Randell, Ralph, Carmel, Vera, Eileen, Emma, Patrick, Linda and Donald

No service to be held and Mom’s ashes will be brought home to Newfoundland in the coming year.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services (Dignity Memorial) Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299