December 16, 1946 - May 17, 2024

Our mom passed away on Friday, May 17th at 2 p.m., on her terms, feeling complete and content, surrounded by love. After bravely fighting cancer for 15 years without complaint and eventually beating it, on May 9th, doctors found a tumor in her brain surrounded by fluid, and it was determined to be terminal. They said it could worsen any day, giving her only a few days to a week. She refused to accept that, literally saying, "I'm still driving this bus and calling the shots, Cancer can kiss my ass, I'm out of here." When we were discussing the date for the MAID (Medical Assistance in Dying), she said, "Canucks game on Tuesday, game on Thursday... I'm leaving Friday." Thankfully, the Canucks scored with 34 seconds left in her last game, giving her a win. Mom loved her Canucks and Blue Jays. Her last 8 days were amazing, filled with visitors, friends, and family sharing great stories, laughing, joking, and, yes, even crying, but mostly laughing. Mom had an incredible sense of humour and the greatest outlook and attitude towards life and adversity, laughing and joking right up to the very end. We watched the last 3 Canucks games in her room, bringing in a large cooler of drinks and food so Mom could have her pickled bean Caesar. Mom's only real request in those 8 days was a Georges cheese deluxe before she passed. In her last 2 hours, she had a request for a loaded poutine with vinegar, so off Dennis went to Rickies. After a quick explanation, they prepared Mom's poutine in 5 minutes and said it was on them, so thank you Rickies for fulfilling Moms last foodie wish! The photo you see captures Mom's last hour, as she happily ate poutine, surrounded by love, still laughing and cracking jokes - that was our mom.

Many sought her advice, as she was wise and intelligent, excelling at Jeopardy, solving hard crosswords, and boasting the best penmanship we've ever seen - a gene us kids did not inherit. Mom was an amazing cook and baker, often providing baked goods like cookies and her famous pies to others upon request. She adored music, recited every word of her favourite songs, enjoyed older movies, and shows, and was a fan of hockey, baseball, and curling, but most of all, she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She had many great friends, some of whom she made recently at her last residence at Casa Loma, as I heard of the escapades, stories, and the trouble she and her friends got into. She loved her friends very much, and we would like to thank them for enriching Mom's last years. Mom was resilient, strong, brave, compassionate, independent, smart, full of love and wisdom, always looking out for those who couldn't for themselves, incredibly funny and witty, never asking for help unless she really needed it, but always looking after and giving selflessly to her family and loved ones, right to the end. All of Mom's wishes and dreams came true in the last few days, and she felt only completion, contentment, and unconditional love. Mom was so many things to so many people, but at the end of the day and through it all... she was our mom, and we are so honoured, grateful, and thankful to call her "Mom." On the last morning, in the last messages to her son Dennis, when asked how she was doing, she responded with "Beauty day out there! Great day to fly!"... and fly she did!

Forever missed, cherished, loved, and always in our hearts. Love you Mom. She is predeceased by her husband Danny Quatell, survived by her sons Dennis and Stephen and daughter Lisa (Craig). Grandchildren Shyanne (Taylor), Jenna, Rhyan, Camryn, Justine, Hope and Cale and great-grandson Henry.

We would love to thank Hospice for the many volunteers who sat and visited with Mom, such a great service. All the hospital staff who waited on and looked after mom and made sure was comfortable. Much love and thanks to you all!