May Isabell Crookall

(nee: Gibson)

July 24, 1933 - November 1, 2024

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother. Mom left us peacefully at the Campbell River Hospital on a rainy Friday night. Her last days were filled with much love and laughter as she was surrounded by family members who had traveled from far and wide to be at her side. Mom was born in the Capital Hill area of North Burnaby. She spent her childhood and school years in the South Westminster area of Surrey. It was there she met the love of her life Robert (Bob) Crookall through her older brother Richie. Dad and Richie worked together at Valley Lumber Yard. They married in 1950 and resided for the first 2 years in a tiny cabin on Grandpa and Nana Crookall’s farm off Townline Road. During that time they scrimped and saved to buy a building lot in Whalley and dad built their first home pay cheque to pay cheque. They started their family and Judy and Penny had arrived before settling in the unfinished house on 134th Street. After that they welcomed Louise and Bobby. Dad had to expand the house before Bob Jr. was born and Mom decorated with ideas that were ahead of her time. We spent many happy years growing up in that home. In 1967 Dad decided to sell the house and relocate the family to Port Hardy where he had been offered a new job opportunity. They spent 33 years living in Port Hardy working and raising family. Dad became the Superintendent of Public Works for the District and Mom started a rewarding career in Home Support Services for the North Island. Dad built a new home on Beaver Harbour Road and they loved hosting family gatherings. Mom was in her glory having the gang for Sunday suppers. After retiring, they decided to move down island and in 2000 they purchased a home in Parksville. Mom loved the home and dad was delighted to grow beautiful roses and join a local bowling team. They welcomed all of us for visits that included trips to Whiskey Creek for ice-cream. In 2006 our dad, Bob, passed away and mom eventually found it too difficult to remain in Parksville. She moved up island to Courtenay to be closer to family. In 2009 she moved into her own suite in Bob and Tammy’s new home and lived there independently. She thrived on being part of a family unit, making dinners and keeping the kids in line. In 2021 they sold their home and Mom moved with them to a new place on Crown Isle Blvd. Mom lived a long and happy life despite many complex health issues. She told us many times during the last week how much we were all loved and there were to be no tears only laughter. Mom, we will try hard to honour your wishes.

Mom is survived by Judy (Bob) - Nicole (Chris)-Savannah and Sawyer

- Kelsey (Ryan)-Lyanna, Chase and Hudson

Penny (Joe) - Jenn (Bill)- Jeneka - Jax

- Jaden, Kyra and Kiana

- Kevin - Brock

- Malia (Andrew) - AJ and

-Kevin Jr.

Louise (Dennis)- Bree-Anna (Ryon)-Tanner and Haylie

- James (Jennifer) - Nathalie

- Stephen (Roseanna)-Kashia, Peyton

Bob (Tammy) - Corin (Lance) - Melissa - Avery

- Ethan

- Lori-Lee (Dan) - Brody and Bo

- Amy - Ella, Mason and Tyson

- Nicholas (Emma)

- Emily (Dawson)

Mom adored her children, 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren. GG was able to keep herself going for years anticipating the arrival of an other loved family addition. The knitting needles were in constant use. She is also survived by her brother Richie, Surrey, BC and sister Rita, 100 Mile House. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband Robert Crookall, parents Mary and George Gibson, brother Harry Gibson, daughter-in-law Debbie Crookall and grand-daughter Natalie Gray. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by us all as she rests in peace. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date in 2025.