April 5, 1949 - July 23, 2021
I was born on April 5, 1949 and I died with the assistance of MAID on July 23, 2021. I would like to thank MAID for this opportunity. My thanks go to Doctor McRae and the MAID team.
It is with great sadness and joy that I announce my passing from this life to the next. I was surrounded by love from my two daughters, Terry and Tracy, and my family and friends from near and far.
I am survived by my daughter Teresa (Terry) Lynn Cryer, her partner William, and my daughter Tracy Lee Cryer and her three children: Simon, Oliver and Thea Spragg. I am also survived by my brother Ted Winslow, his two children, Robin and Ariel, and Ted's wife Mahnaz Kakpour.
I am also survived by my husband Bruce Cryer and my father-in-law Albert Edward Cryer (Tim) who was predeceased by his wife Helen Sylvia Cryer.
It's been my goal to see everyone who is special to me, which has been my focus over the last few weeks. I thank everyone for accommodating me and understanding how important this was to me. I'm so happy to have Terry and Tracy work with me to make it exactly how I wanted it to be.
I would like to thank the Purple Group at the hospital who made sure my wishes were met and that everything went according to my plan. Because if you know me, you know that I like a well- executed plan!
I want to thank my family doctor, Carol Ostry, for all her love and devotion over the past 30 years. I have had such a wonderful relationship with Carol, and I always felt supported by her. I would also like to thank the hospital staff for the special care they gave to me during the last months of my life to make sure I was comfortable during my palliative stage. And to Dr. Wass, thank you so much for taking over for Dr. Camacho who diagnosed me with amyloidosis in 2010.
To my husband I say thank you for the relationship that we have. We were married from 1969 to 2008 and have been separated since. Our relationship has developed into a beautiful friendship. It was a hard road to get here but I am proud of us.
We raised two beautiful daughters together and I couldn't be prouder of them. My father in-law and mother in-law were a very special and important part of my life. They always made me feel like their daughter, not their daughter in-law. I have so much pride in that.
I thank family and friends from near and far for coming at the end and allowing me to reminisce. Thank you to Janice & Sid Burnett, John Fox, Gail Corrigal, and Chris & Jim Hoeppner. I have been lucky to have such good friends.
I'd especially like to thank my three grandchildren: Simon, Oliver and Thea. I will miss you terribly. I am so proud of your mom for being a wonderful mom for you and I am so proud of you for being such amazing children. I know you will have wonderful lives and I am sorry I won't get to see you grow up to be responsible adults. I wish that I could look into the future and see what your lives will be like, but I know that your mom has laid a really positive foundation for you.
I want to thank Terry and her partner, Will, for all the experiences I had at Twisted Roots Farm. I am proud of the work they have done there, and I love their Instagram! It was so wonderful to be able to go to Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. I am sorry I couldn't move to Nova Scotia to be with them. I love the idea of moving and living with them, but my medical team is here and they are very important to me.
I was born in Swan River, Manitoba to William (Bill) and Helen Winslow. My family made our way west across Canada following my father's job with United Grain Growers. He started as an elevator helper and retired as a General Manager. I have many fond memories of my parents, especially how much they enjoyed entertaining! Many times they organized groups to get together at a cabin or a lake.
I can remember many weekends at Waskesiu Lake in Saskatchewan where we gathered with other families. My dad was happiest when he was feeding people and he would buy dinner plate sized T-bone steaks for the barbeque. But it did not matter if it was a casual barbeque or a formal dinner party, as long as my dad had people to feed and entertain, he was happy. Our house was always full of laughter and fun during those parties.
As an adult I settled on the west coast, and I lived a good life. I died in Courtenay, British Columbia. I want my friends and family to know that I am happy.
If you wish to make a gesture in my memory, please consider a donation in lieu of flowers to:
YANA - You Are Not Alone, Comox Valley Hospice
Children's Health Foundation of Vancouver Island, Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation
Or a donation to the cause of your choosing, Twisted Roots Farm, Spragg Kids School Fund
If your donation is directed to a registered charity, you may want a tax receipt for your gift. Be sure to include your address along with your donation so a tax receipt can be issued.
I invite you to attend my celebration of life open house on Sunday, August 1st from 4:30 - 8:00 pm at the covered picnic area at Kin Beach Park. It will be a casual gathering with light snacks and desserts. As there is limited seating, please bring a chair. I hope that you can all get together to share some laughs and some memories of me.
Service Details
4:30 PM