On February 16, we lost our dear, sweet Celia. She was a devoted wife to Dan, mother to Erica (Jack), Simon (Linda), Lisa (Dan) and Alistair (Ann), grandmother to Matt, Samantha (Josh), Chandler, Caden and Payton, and great grandmother to Remy and Brooks.
Born in Macclesfield, England in 1936, Celia was an avid adventurer and loved to travel. She and Dan lived in the U.K. and Sri Lanka, finally settling on the west coast of Canada in the mid-1960s. They were constantly on the move, often with many or all of their 4 children in tow – whether it was camping on Hornby Island, the Okanagan, exploring the beaches of Molokai and the Cook Islands, camping in the Baja Peninsula, touring through Europe, Canada or on safari in Africa.
Celia will be most remembered for her incredible kindness, warmth, generosity and wonderful hospitality. She was famous for inviting newly found friends to come and visit at Anderson Lake, thinking nothing of opening her home to anyone in need of a good meal, glass of wine and lively conversation. She was a social butterfly who thrived on making friendships and loved constantly visiting with people. She was a self-taught cook and was celebrated for her beautiful meals especially her homemade curries. She loved to garden, and when she retired to Anderson Lake in 1995, she created the most exquisite flower beds on the property for everyone to enjoy, especially her beloved hummingbirds and ladybugs.
Celia’s greatest joy was time spent with family. She was happiest in the clutter and chaos of large family gatherings, surrounded by the people she loved the most. Her Boxing Day gatherings were epic, often cooking for days to ensure that everyone could enjoy delicious home cooked holidays treats, a holiday beverage, and a good laugh. She made an impact on everyone she met – to know her truly was to love her. She is dearly missed.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will only be a small, private family gathering to celebrate Celia’s life on February 25, 2021 in BC. The family will be spreading Celia’s ashes this summer so she will be surrounded and comforted by the beautiful mountain view at Anderson Lake. Before she left us, she said that we will know she is there when we see a hummingbird or a ladybug and we will be watching for her presence there. While she adored flowers, the family has two wishes: the first is that you reach out to hold your loved ones tight. The second second is that you honour her memory by donating in her name to a charity of your choice that is near and dear to you. We want to thank the incredible and kind staff at the Maple Ridge Senior’s Village, Ridge Meadows Hospital, and the Mission Hospice for the loving care they gave Celia and executing on all of her health care wishes. They are truly angels on earth.
Thank you Celia/Cece/Mummy for taking care and loving us all. Rest now.
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