Born in San Francisco, California to Joseph and Mary Kramer. At an early age, the family returned to live near Kenora, Saskatchewan. In 1935, the family moved to Vernon BC where her Dad had found work.
Mom was the eldest of six children: brothers Mike, John, Peter, Ed and her sister Marge, outliving all but her brother Peter Kramer of Vernon. As you would expect, her parents predeceased her, although her mother lived to be 104 years old, just dying in 2011 when Mom was 85 years old.
Mom met our Dad, Ray Harper while he was in the army, training at Camp Vernon. They married in 1944 and were married for 59 years when he passed away in 2003.
Mom worked hard all her life and taught us well. We had a happy childhood. There were always cookies in the jar and we learned how to prepare tasty and nutritious meals and homemade soups. We always had a summer holiday and camped a lot with family friends.
For many years, from the time the store opened, she worked in the Men’s Wear Department at Woodward’s.
After retirement, Mom and Dad enjoyed their cabin on the Koksilah River where everyone was welcome. Old friends and new friends have memories of happy times at “the river”.
After living independently, Mom decided it was time to embrace retirement living, moving to Ross Place in June 2015, which became her home and where she was happy.
Throughout her life, Mom enjoyed her flower gardens. Mom loved to read and made great use of the library. When her eyesight failed, CNIB came to the rescue and library volunteers delivered talking books for her.
Mom was loved and is survived by her family, daughter Judy and son in law Bruce Moffat of North Saanich. Son Ken Harper, daughter in law Dominique Desalliers of Campbell River. Grandson Sebastien Correia and his wife Doctor Crystal Bostrom of Comox, and granddaughter Isabelle of Campbell River. Mom is also survived by many nieces and nephews and her honorary daughter Pam Marchand.
Mom’s angels came for her at the Royal Jubilee Hospital where she spent the last ten days of her life. Mom died peacefully and without pain. The doctors and nurses on 4 South were amazing and the family are grateful for their compassionate care. Thanks especially to Doctor Klingenberg, nurses Kathy, Lindsay and Jeremy.
Thanks to Doctor G. Rideout, Doctor K. Yvorchuk, the VIHA nurses and care workers who supported her at Ross Place.
Not to be forgotten, we thank Louise Fortier, Mom’s companion and friend. Louise and Mom had fun together and enjoyed drives along Dallas Road which included a stop for ice cream at the Beacon Drive In.
This photo was taken at Butchart Gardens on her 89th birthday, where she loved going for a birthday treat of high tea.
Mom asked that there be no funeral service. Our family will gather to remember Mom.
Rather than flowers, we ask that the next time you have a glass of wine or Bailey’s, remember Mom and hug someone in your bubble.
Condolences may be offered to the family in the comment section below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Kate Fitzgerald
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Eileen Symes To: Judy and Ken
It was with sadness that I read in the newspaper that your mom had passed away, and I send deepest sympathy to you and all the family.
My husband, Murray Symes, was manager of the Men’s Wear department at Woodward’s when Anne worked there. I met her many times–such a lovely lady and liked by all. You can feel proud.
Condolences again at this sad time.
Sincerely,
Eileen Symes
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Diane J. MacRae HI Judy
It has been years since we have seen one another. I read the obit. for your mum. You are fortunate to have had your mum for so many years.I fondly look back at the many happy times in your mum and dad’s home.
Wishing you well.
Diane MacRae (formerly “Crowe”)
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Alex Muff Dear Judy, Bruce and Family,
I was so very sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. I have fond memories of visiting back and forth with your Mom and Dad. Heard so many stories and had so many laughs regarding their vacations and breakdowns in their motorhome.
Your Mom was a friend to all at Lakehill Estates. She was the most warm and respected person ever. We all missed her when she moved away.
Please accept my condolences.
Alex
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Maury Ingram I am saddened to read of Anne’s passing and codolences go out to the family
Prior to Ray’s passing, Marg and I had many enjoyable visits with Anne and Ray at our homes and at Kokisilah.
I am no longer driving and am using a Walker and have a Lift Chair on order.
Sincerely, Maury
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Jill Bishop I am the youngest of Pat and Peter Bishops children.
I remember your Mum from many decades ago, her gentle smile and genuinely caring hugs and interest in us all when we would visit on Boxing Day or at other gatherings
My thoughts are will you as you grieve the loss of your MotherSincerely
Jill Bishop
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Karen Rennie To Judy & Ken and your families I offer sincere condolences in the loss of your dear Mom Anne. My Mum & Dad were good friends of your folks and we had many occasions over the years to visit with your family. Her picture, taken at Butchart Gardens is just how I remember her, she had a lovely warm smile and was always a pleasure to be around. A very nice remembrance of your family life; I can well imagine how pleasant that your growing up years would have been. Wonderful memories I’m sure. My folks were Olive & John Radley. Hugs to you from me, Karen and my brother Alan,& sisters Kathy & Brenda.
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Joy Kruger I’m sad for your loss of your lovely Mom, Auntie, friend — My name is Joy and I led exercise classes at Silver Threads Hampton Road, where Anne attended, and I loved to chat with her before class whenever I got the chance. She was always so thoughtful, gentle, and it was easy to talk to her! I was always so happy to see her in class, where she always brought a warm smile. Her way of being added so much to the community there. I’m glad I got to meet her, and have her warm presence as often as she came to class!
After she moved to Ross Place, I really missed her, but then happily a got to see her a few times at Ross Place too, because my husband and I and our band ‘The Big Weee’ played several times as part of Ronnie’s afternoon entertainment lineup! I got to say a pre-show ‘hello’ to your lovely Mom a couple of times! She had a hard time seeing and hearing, but when I crouched down and spoke loudly from a close distance, she completely remembered our classes at Silver Threads, and it was so nice to see her smile again! All the best to you, in this journey of honoring and missing your Mom/Auntie/friend, and thank you for sharing some of the details of her life in the Times Colonist! It was nice to learn some more about her! from Joy
Dear Judy, Ken and families,
I was so sorry to hear your mom had passed away. It must be extremely hard on you all at this particularly difficult time. So many good memories of your mom and dad and family growing up. So many events and camp outs. So much laughter and fun.
It was wonderful that you and my sister had those great opportunities to become such good friends. Long time friendships are so precious.
I remember your mom’s kindness always to people and her great positive attitude. Judy, you and her have the best smiles. Very heart warming and contagious. Our Judy said, that your mom loved her last years in her place, and as usual, she saw the best in the situation and rose up to the occasion, which is what she often did best.
I’m sure your hearts are breaking, and that carrying your wonderful memories of her will continue to help you heal in your journey of grief and celebration. All of you, whom she touched, will keep her alive in your love, and that is her wonderful legacy to you all.
Thinking of you and sending hugs, Kate Fitzgerald (Wendy Wright)