We have received a great number of condolences and reminiscences of happy memories from Dee Dee’s relatives and many, many friends. In addition to phone calls, this has included comments left on the memorial web site, emails, cards and Facebook comments.
I have copied and pasted messages from the various sources for this blog page. Seeing this feedback together is a good reminder of who Dee Dee was, and how she affected numerous people in many ways over the years. This is not a comprehensive listing, but rather a strong sample of comments we have received. Because this is a publicly-available blog, I have edited out personal information, including contact information. The internet is a wonderful thing, but one must be wary of the dangers of hackers, marketers, etc.
If you want to add a comment about Dee Dee, please follow the link below. Also, comments on this blog in the indicated area are always encouraged and welcome. If you would rather not have your comment posted, please let me know and I will delete it.
I have grouped the comments under 1) comments left online (through the link above); 2) emails, including a few Facebook comments; 3) Facebook comments and 4) cards.
After the comments, I have posted a couple of video clips of Dee Dee. One is of Dee Dee singing and talking to Margaret's greatnephew Caleb at the Queens Bay cabin in July 2010. The other is of Dee Dee in June 2011 at Columbia View Lodge, where she always appreciated an afternoon treat of apple pie and coffee.
After the comments, I have posted a couple of video clips of Dee Dee. One is of Dee Dee singing and talking to Margaret's greatnephew Caleb at the Queens Bay cabin in July 2010. The other is of Dee Dee in June 2011 at Columbia View Lodge, where she always appreciated an afternoon treat of apple pie and coffee.
Online memorial (address above)
Dearest Sam and family, Your mum was a true blessing for me when I moved here and left all my friends and family behind in Ontario in 1990. Her warm, bubbly, thoughtful personality helped make my move to Rossland, after I married a local fellow, start feeling like home. She saw my lonely face one day and took me under her wing. I will miss her gift of friendship. My mum was in CVL as well. Although I was sure Dee Dee didn't remember me, when mum and I visited and I re-introduced myself, our friendship was always rekindled and the stories began. Her love for her family was always in the forefront of every beautiful tale. My only regret is that I never took her up on that visit to the lake she loved so. My hope is that this gives you some comfort. She is truly missed but only a memory away. I am sending many hugs, your mum loved them, to pull from whenever you need one. Irene Krewski Rossland, BC, Canada
- Irene Krewski, Rossland, BC, Canada
Dear Sam & family: My sincere sympathies in your loss. Your Mom had a very interesting and full life, and I hope you find comfort in that.
- Randy Glover, Trail, BC, Canada
Hi Eve and Sam and family. It is comforting to know Dee Dee is now singing in heaven. Wish we could be there but praying for you to get by this difficult time. My deepest sympathy. - Gloria Allan, West Vancouver, BC, Canada
To Sam, Evey and family, Dee Dee was such a special person who did so much for Richie & myself while we were growing up. Her tolerance was really incredible considering the challenges she faced just with 'us twins' alone at the Nelson house & cabin. Looking back, I can't understand how she was always smiling & cheerful, even after we broke or abused a lot of Leigh's and Dee Dee's cars, boats, and other stuff. She was truly a remarkable person and her death marks the end of an era! I will always hold a special place in my heart for her. Her love of life and how to enjoy it despite the many hardships she endured is an inspiration to all. - Robert Dewdney, Phoenix, Arizona, U.S.A.Dear Sam, Eve and family, my heart was heavy to hear about Deedee. Your mom is so cherished in my family's hearts with all of the fun times we had in Canada visiting during the summers. I am so thankful that my kids got to grow up at the cabin being buried on the lake in rocks by Deedee as I did growing up as a little girl. When I think of Deedee and her sweet high voice full of love and laughter it fills my heart with joy and puts a smile on my face. Those memories I will hold dear forever. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and hope that your memories bring you comfort during this hard time. Us cousins have to keep the traditions going! Love to you all. - Tiffani, Chris, Grant and Chad, Coto de Caza, California, USA
Dear Dee Dee. You will be sadly missed. I have cherished memories of Queen's Bay cocktail hour and many laughs over Dee Dee isms. Your warm, welcoming smile lit up the room. You often saw the opportunity to have fun no matter what. "I think we've found the fun!" you'd say with the mirth rising up to your eyes. And so we did. God bless you Dee Dee and I hope you've found more fun! - Love Betty, Kevin, Monika, Alex and Jennifer Gass, Vancouver, Bc, CanadaTo Sam, Eve, and family, our heartfelt condolences to you for the loss of Dee Dee. We will always remember her bubbly spirit, incredible hospitality, and sense of "fun". We treasure the times we spent with her. She will be missed by all who knew her. - Cal and Gloria Sutela, Calgary, AB, Canada
E-mail messages
Dear Sam,
Jessica and I are very sad to hear that Dee Dee has passed away.
Dee Dee always maintained an enviably gentle and happy disposition that will be greatly missed. And I can't help but think that if more people possessed her kind and generous spirit our world would be a friendlier and more courteous place.
Regrettably, we will not be able to return to Trail for the service, but we will be thinking of you and the rest of the family. All the best at this difficult time.
Doug and Jess (Sydney, Australia)
So sorry for your loss. We will miss Deedee dearly. – Allison and Kevin, TrailJessica and I are very sad to hear that Dee Dee has passed away.
Dee Dee always maintained an enviably gentle and happy disposition that will be greatly missed. And I can't help but think that if more people possessed her kind and generous spirit our world would be a friendlier and more courteous place.
Regrettably, we will not be able to return to Trail for the service, but we will be thinking of you and the rest of the family. All the best at this difficult time.
Doug and Jess (Sydney, Australia)
Elaine and I wanted you to know that we are thinking of you, and offer our condolences and best wishes as you gather to celebrate Dee Dee's wonderful life.
We deeply miss her and our thoughts are full of happy times past, when our families were so closely intertwined, inspiring memories that will be with me throughout my life.
It is truly the passing of that marvelous era, now that our parents are all departed. We should be grateful for everything that Dee Dee has left us.
We wish you well on this day of remembrance and assure you that our thoughts are with you. We wish that we could be there to participate and provide support on a day that can only be a sad one. – Peter (cousin) and Elaine, Manchester and Penticton.
We deeply miss her and our thoughts are full of happy times past, when our families were so closely intertwined, inspiring memories that will be with me throughout my life.
It is truly the passing of that marvelous era, now that our parents are all departed. We should be grateful for everything that Dee Dee has left us.
We wish you well on this day of remembrance and assure you that our thoughts are with you. We wish that we could be there to participate and provide support on a day that can only be a sad one. – Peter (cousin) and Elaine, Manchester and Penticton.
Sam. So sorry to see the news of DeeDee's death in the Nelson Star today. It was a wonderful obituary; I'm guessing that you either wrote it or had a lot to do with it. I've been having lots of memories today about your Mom and Dad, and you kids when you were young. – Shawn, Nelson.
Dear Sam,I think we have to be happy for Dee Dee that she was permitted to pass on in her sleep after obviously a difficult time at the Columbia View Lodge where however she was cared for quite well.
I was always impressed how clean and nicely dressed the residents were and how considerate and careful they were with Dee Dee. Also impressed that you spent time there every day you could and were a wonderful son to your mother. I am sure she was a good mother also. She had a fulfilled life and was happy to the end.
Very affectionate she was. The last time I visited with her she said I love you, do you love me? I said of course I love you...
After such a visit it’s like walking on clouds. She always made my day. A sweet darling she was... What more could one wish for a person. I will miss her very much.
- Christine Bunemann-Randolph and Raymond, Trail
Hi Sam
sorry to learn about Dee Dee. you're right, it's hard to imagine that she's actually gone, because she was always so alive and bubbly. but in a way, she will always be with us, because we won't forget her. I still smile when I think of her at the house on Stanley Street, or in trail, or out at queen's bay. those memories will stay forever, and in a sense, so will she.
Carl (Granby, Quebec)
sorry to learn about Dee Dee. you're right, it's hard to imagine that she's actually gone, because she was always so alive and bubbly. but in a way, she will always be with us, because we won't forget her. I still smile when I think of her at the house on Stanley Street, or in trail, or out at queen's bay. those memories will stay forever, and in a sense, so will she.
Carl (Granby, Quebec)
Hi Sam: thank you for your message. I am deeply saddened by the news. …I will miss DeeDee very much. I always appreciated her friendship and kindness to me.
Lorna, Mickey & Gizmo, RosslandI won't be making it back to Canada to attend DeeDee's service, although I will be there in spirit to help you celebrate your incredible Mother, whom we all had the good fortune to grow up with.
DeeDee will always be in my heart and I know that she was a special gift to all that were touched by her. I am sending you both a huge hug and all my best, Sue Stanger (Nelson and Arizona)
Dear Sam
I was very saddened to hear about Dee Dee's passing. Thank you so much for letting me know.My memories of Dee Dee are somewhat fuzzy as I only saw her once or maybe twice after we moved east in 1975. However, our trips to Queen's Bay are a treasured part of my childhood and she will always hold a place in my heart as a beloved aunt.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy and that of Mom and Barb. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Eve at this difficult time.
- Bev (cousin in Toronto)Sam: Sorry to hear about your mom. I remember all those great summers with your family.
Please pass my sympathies on to Eve as well. – Barb (cousin in Toronto)Dear Sam,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a lovely woman she was, and how fortunate you are to have had her with you for all these years. My condolences to you and Eve. Please let me know the date of the memorial in Vancouver when you have decided. Sylvia, Vancouver
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. What a lovely woman she was, and how fortunate you are to have had her with you for all these years. My condolences to you and Eve. Please let me know the date of the memorial in Vancouver when you have decided. Sylvia, Vancouver
Oh Sam! Sorry for your loss – and what a great loss it is. Justine and I were just talking about Dee a few days ago. I kid you not! We talked about what a delightful lady she was and how much we enjoyed the time we spent with her at the Cabin.
It certainly is not hard to imagine your Mom singing with the Angels even as we type!Thanks for sharing with us. Peace be with you and your family...
Sharon, Edmonton
My love to you Sam and your family: I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of Dee Dee. Thank you for letting us know. You were a wonderful son and your wonderful mom was so much fun, she loved life. Her loving face with her soft eyes and kind smile warmed one's heart. Dee Dee sleeps peacefully in death… - Colleen, Trail.
Sam, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom. I loved her and have wonderful memories of all of us together and will cherish them. Sending you and the family warm hugs and I'm here if you need anything. – Pamela (cousin in Nevada)
Dear Sam and Eve,
Thank you for the note, I am truly sorry.Dear Sam and Eve,
I can just see her already chatting and laughing with her old friends in heaven.
What a lovely picture of her too.
Kind regards, Brenda, Rossland
Sam/Eve,
Thanks for the photos of your mom. She was certainly a very unique and wonder full person. I have many great memories of Dee Dee and will miss her sense of humor and grace.
I’m off to China to work at the end of the month and will return in the summer to the Kootenays.
Again my heartfelt regards at this difficult time and thanks again for the heads up on your mom.
Lots of love, Tom Burns (Nelson)
Thanks for the photos of your mom. She was certainly a very unique and wonder full person. I have many great memories of Dee Dee and will miss her sense of humor and grace.
I’m off to China to work at the end of the month and will return in the summer to the Kootenays.
Again my heartfelt regards at this difficult time and thanks again for the heads up on your mom.
Lots of love, Tom Burns (Nelson)
Hi Sam...I am in Calgary as I read this today and I want to send along my condolences on the passing of your beautiful Mom! Realizing that she lived a good long life, I also know how much of a void she will leave....
Ingeborg, Fruitvale
Hi Sam,
I just heard about your sad news. I have sooo many wonderful memories of your mother. Dee Dee was such a positive and fun woman. My Mom and Fay had such a wonderful friendship with Dee Dee.
My thoughts are with yourself, Eve and the family,
Chris Stanger
Ingeborg, Fruitvale
Hi Sam,
I just heard about your sad news. I have sooo many wonderful memories of your mother. Dee Dee was such a positive and fun woman. My Mom and Fay had such a wonderful friendship with Dee Dee.
My thoughts are with yourself, Eve and the family,
Chris Stanger
What wonderful fond fun life long memories these three women (Pauline Stanger, Fay Pelmore and Dee Dee) created ...Thinking of you. - Sarah Stanger
Sam: I'm so sorry to hear of Dee passing. I know it was expected but that doesn’t make it any easier. We all send our love and condolences to you. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Lots of love and well wishes coming your way. Annemarie and family, Gibbons, ABSo sorry to hear of your mother's passing. The little we knew and saw of her was of a person with a zest for life and a sense of happiness in everything and everyone around her. I know you will miss her terribly. Our deepest condolences, Al and Sigrid, Creston
Sam, I'm sorry to hear about your mom and I know you'll miss her. I read your blog and looked at all the fantastic pictures and can say truly she was a fantastic lady and you will have tons of great memories. - Marianne and Joe, Edmonton
I will certainly miss Dee Dee as she definitely touched my heart. I knew even if I was not having the greatest day that if I walked up to Dee Dee she would always tell me that I was beautiful and smile her sweet warm way. I could never walk away from Dee Dee without feeling great. She certainly had a way to make people feel good about themselves. She was so kind and selfless and it was always a joy to be around her. I will miss her greatly. I will definitely pass on the information on your blog to others here at CVL. – Sandy, Trail.
Dear Sam, I was shocked to learn Of Dee Dee's passing. For so many years she presented to her friends a serene and caring composure. – Bob, Victoria.Sam, we were so sorry to hear your news. I hope that the funeral went well. Please pass on our condolences to Eve, Bill and family too. We are thinking of you and the lake wistfully as we shiver in our cold snap in Alberta. – Betty and Rick, Edmonton.
Dear Sam and Eve.
It is a very sad day, and Buzz is quite upset also. We went up to our new high “crows nest” deck tonight and spoke about our precious times with Deedee and toasted her. She was in our prayers. Our hearts share in your sorrow. With the help of your family and many friends, we hope your grief will be a little easier to bear. Deedee was intimately involved in my life since attending my birth in Kimberley. I have such beautiful memories to draw upon forever. It is wonderful that my girls knew her so well.
Bless you. Warm hugs, Suzanne (cousin)
Oh so sad to hear of the passing of the adorable Dee Dee. She was a gem and I loved being in her company. I am glad you were able to be there at her side – altho that must have been very painful too.
I have many memories of your mom and will share them with you over a G and T in her honour when you get back. One of them of course is “I Have often Walked Down that Street Before” her favourite tune from My Fair Lady!Love Patsy Peters
Hello Eve,
I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. It is sad news indeed - she was one in a million. An inspiration for me - to face the future cheerfully and always full of hope.
Thank you so much for sending the obituary - what an interesting life she has had! A strong woman, paving the way for all of us and our kids in the equality department without much fanfare, just doing it.
Aidan's and my thoughts are with you. We are sure it is exhausting, but probably also wrought with a mixture of melancholy, relief and sadness.
We wish you strength and are sending you mentally good vibes for the days and weeks ahead. AND I will never forget Dee Dee and the fun.
Much love, Ulrike and Aidan
I am so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. It is sad news indeed - she was one in a million. An inspiration for me - to face the future cheerfully and always full of hope.
Thank you so much for sending the obituary - what an interesting life she has had! A strong woman, paving the way for all of us and our kids in the equality department without much fanfare, just doing it.
Aidan's and my thoughts are with you. We are sure it is exhausting, but probably also wrought with a mixture of melancholy, relief and sadness.
We wish you strength and are sending you mentally good vibes for the days and weeks ahead. AND I will never forget Dee Dee and the fun.
Much love, Ulrike and Aidan
I loved your mom Sam!
She was the person that coached me in the old library in the Civic Centre.She was so gentle.
You were so lucky to have such a wonderful mom!
- Christine, Nelson
I'm so sorry to hear this. I know you were close and that this is a huge loss, but I'm so glad that you were able to be with her at the end - what a gift. Please take care of yourself and take solace in your family members, and of course, if there's anything I can do to help, let me know.
Joanne
So sorry and thinking about you and your family - I will always smile when I think about meeting your mother at Jericho.
Hope all goes well.
See you soon. Pam
Hope all goes well.
See you soon. Pam
Dear Eve:
She was indeed a 'sparkplug' and it was wonderful to meet her at Patsy's and have her singing away that evening. A great way to remember your mum, for sure. I'm so very sorry for your loss - know you had said, often, that you were close. But she will always be close to your heart, and at least, her passing has eased her suffering, and ultimately, yours and your family's. How wonderful that you were able to see her a lot yesterday. My most sincere condolences to you, Eve, and to your family. Take care of yourself, and we'll see you back soon.
- Shamim
Eve,
Our condolences to you and your family. Dave and I feel very lucky to have met her. She was such a wonderful, warm and happy lady. Take care of yourself. - Angie
I am sorry to hear your mother passed away last night. You spoke of her often to me and I wish I could have met your "sparkplug of a mother". I am glad you got to see her as often as you did. You are wonderful daughter and I venture to say that you are not unlike your mother, especially the fun loving sparkplug parts.
Hugs to you and thinking of you ALOT. Kayo
Wow - that is a wonderful obituary.
Take care, MartyEve, thank you for sending the copy of your Mom's obituary. I think it captures your Mom's wonderful personality. She was a lovely person to be around -- entertaining, upbeat, wanting to know about others. I am sure you will agree that you and Sam are lucky to have had her for a mom… Sincerely, Caroline
What a full, accomplished and wonderful life your mother lived; full of challenges and happy times. You must be very proud Evie.
And she had you to be ever so proud of you too.
Let all her life gifts to you and your happy memories of her flow and sustain you.
Hugs, Sally
And she had you to be ever so proud of you too.
Let all her life gifts to you and your happy memories of her flow and sustain you.
Hugs, Sally
Hi Sam and Eve
I am sorry to hear about Dee Dee, she was a great lady with a wonderful sense of humour. She will be missed…Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Lorraine and Robb, Trail
I am sorry to hear about Dee Dee, she was a great lady with a wonderful sense of humour. She will be missed…Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families.
Lorraine and Robb, Trail
Sam, Margaret, eve, bill, Mathew and Carly
I wish I could be there to say my condolence in person. Dee dee was a light in the room. She always had a positive outlook and a kind word and a easy laugh. I know the last little while her quality of life had diminished so although it is trite I am sure she is happier now. I can see her starting a party wherever she is, singing show tunes and tipping a glass.
- Tom and Helen (cousin)I wish I could be there to say my condolence in person. Dee dee was a light in the room. She always had a positive outlook and a kind word and a easy laugh. I know the last little while her quality of life had diminished so although it is trite I am sure she is happier now. I can see her starting a party wherever she is, singing show tunes and tipping a glass.
You did an absolutely wonderful job of writing your Mother's obituary! We have never read such a fitting tribute for anyone. Your Mother would be so proud of you both for recognizing what was so important to her.
Let us know if you need anything. Love to you both at this awfully stressful time.
- Margie and Kay, Trail
Hi Sam and Marg
Thank you for sending us the sad news. The obit and photos are truly a tribute to your mother Sam. Our sincere sympathy to you and Marg and your family Sam at the loss of Dee Dee. She was a remarkable woman and we feel privileged that we met her. We enjoyed each visit we had with her when she was able to come to the Molstad House.You are in our prayers....take care of yourselves during this very sad time.
- Jean and Walter, Edmonton
Take good care of yourself and may God our heavenly Father bless you and keep you.
Peter and Irene Bowal (Calgary)
Facebook
Sam, I've been smiling all week, just keep thinking about Dee Dee and remembering many of the things that played out over the years. I loved that you included show tunes in her service. Thank you. – James Pelmore
Thinking of you Sam, and hoping your memories bring you comfort. I remember how much your mother meant to you and how fond you were of her, she was a lucky mother to have had such a caring son. – Leanne, Edmonton
Oh Sam, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. – Nadine, EdmontonSo very very sad to hear that. My heart goes out to you. – Jackie (cousin), California
Sam, so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family. – Wendy H., EdmontonSam, I am sorry about the loss of your beloved Dee Dee. She was lucky to have you as a son. – Christine P., Edmonton
Bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. – Terry, EdmontonSo sorry for your loss, Sam. You were a good son to your mom. I am sure she appreciated your company and love. – Stephanie, Edmonton
When my late wife Pauline and I moved to Nelson in 1959 Dee Dee and Leigh McBride were among the first locals to befriend us. Our families became the closest of friends and remain so to this day. The news of Dee Dee’s passing brings feelings of great sadness, heartfelt sympathy for the McBride family, and a host of happy memories of times shared. House parties, bridge parties, beach parties, fun times on and in Kootenay Lake at the McBride cabin, and always accompanied by stimulating conversation. A truly sweet and gentle lady. A favourite with young and old. We will miss you Dee Dee. – John StangerCards
Dee Dee, you were a sweet treasure in our lives. We will miss you dearly, -- Tracy and Diane (cousins).
You will miss her and her optimistic outlook on life. May you get strength from your memories and each other. – Lois, Nelson.
I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of your wonderful mother. I remember Dee Dee as being very vibrant and always interested in life. Cherish your memories. – Anne, Nelson
I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed my friendship, first with Ken, then Dee Dee. She was so gracious and such an athlete… I know you will heal with all the lovely memories… - Emily, Nelson.
Video clips...
Below are a couple of video clips I took of Dee Dee with my digital camera. One is from the summer of 2010 at Queens Bay, and the other of Dee Dee on her birthday, June 29, 2011, at the care home in Trail.
Video clips...
Below are a couple of video clips I took of Dee Dee with my digital camera. One is from the summer of 2010 at Queens Bay, and the other of Dee Dee on her birthday, June 29, 2011, at the care home in Trail.
