June 16, 1925 - November 1, 2020
A beautiful woman left us on Sunday morning, November 1st.
Mom was born in Lougheed Alberta; on June 16, she the third born of four children, to George and Marion Crozier. She was a sturdy farm girl and admitted tomboy who loved to play sports 'with the boys'! She had a great childhood, adolescence, and early marriage.
With her two daughters in tow, she moved to the Queen Charlotte Islands in the late '50's to join her parents and brother. As fate would have it; she met the man of her dreams in that little logging camp; Sandspit.
Mom and Dad were married, in Vancouver, in December 1962. A month later, they moved to Ladysmith, where she has remained until her final day.
Mom was a hard worker. Being active was a priority for her, and she took great pride in her athleticism. She loved a challenge, and would tackle any project with vitality and total commitment.
For many years her garden was a beautiful reflection of her love of flowers and fresh vegetables. Later, she loved to line dance (and had several pairs of cowboy boots to prove it!); ride her bike, walk miles, swim laps, and throw darts like a real champion.
An avid reader, she devoured books! She loved music; and could play the piano despite no formal training or the ability to read music. She mastered many crafts including ceramics, woodworking, knitting (the year practically everyone she knew got slippers and toques!); and she could bake some pretty exceptional pies.
Mom also had a great sense of humour, and was, on occasion, still showing her quick wit at the ripe old age of 95.
The truly bright spots in Mom's life were her two grandchildren. First, Teresa, born in 1964, making Mom a grandmother at 39; and then Sonny, after a very long gap, was born in 1988.
The love and pride she had for those kids knew no bounds, and she often sent folks scurrying when she brought out her voluminous photo albums for the umpteenth time! Grama took Teresa on many road trips; and luckily all over Europe before Grampa George passed away. Grama rarely missed any of Sonny's baseball games; and thought it was so funny when he to hit a sky high foul ball that managed to find her well cared for car, twice!
In 1974, her beloved George, passed suddenly, in the midst of dancing with her to their favourite tune (In The Mood). Sadly, after only 12 years of marriage. Her grief was mammoth; but with sheer determination, she threw herself into many activities, and joined the Hospital Auxiliary, where she loved working in the Memorial Garden, and the Tuesday night sorting at the Thrift Shop.
Mom had many friends, and many have passed before her; but Babe, Ruth, & Irene were among her dearest loyal friends. Babe and Mom would dance holes in the carpet! And Cheryl Blondeau became a special friend in later years. Mom also enjoyed to travel, and found a great travelling partner in Rita Glen.
Mom spent the last four years of her life in The Lodge on 4th (Oyster Harbour). The care she received, on a consistent basis, was exceptional. The staff on 3rd floor loved Mom and treated her with dignity, respect, and humour. Our gratitude cannot be expressed adequately.
Predeceased by sister Georgia, brother Tom, sister Maureen; four nephews Tom, Murray, Alan & Daryl, and one niece, Victoria. It also broke her heart when her very spoiled, 22 lb cat, Sugar, left her completely alone.
Leaving us to carry on her legacy are daughter Gaylene (Neil Pollitt) in Calgary; daughter Leanne (Rick Bryski) in Ladysmith; granddaughter Teresa (Paul Baleski & Brittany) in Cultus Lake; and grandson Sonny Bryski (Jennifer) in Ladysmith. Numerous nieces, and nephews, who all loved their Aunty 'La' dearly.
At long last, Mom will be buried beside her one true love, in Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens. Her family will carry her to her spot and bid her the most loving farewell imaginable, on Friday November 6 at 2:30. A perfect ending to a life well lived and loved.
Please, no flowers or donations. Mom would want to tell everyone to make the best of every day, love fiercely, be loyal, honest, and kind, and laugh at every given opportunity.
Condolences can be offered on the First Memorial Nanaimo website: firstmemorialnanaimo.com