August 12, 1964 – May 10, 2026 

On Sunday, May 10, Angela Dawn Pater chose to access MAID after a “graceful” (not her words) fight against the beast called cancer. 

In those final hours, she was surrounded by those who will continue to deeply mourn her loss and cherish every moment spent by her side. Instead of “losing the fight” to cancer, Angela instead chose to view it as making a final stand against the disease which altered the final years of her life, her autonomous choice for peace and rest. 

Born to parents Willard Bailey (Bill) and Barbara Waugh, Angela entered the world on August 12, 1964 in Indian Head, Saskatchewan. An older sister to her brother, Mark Bailey, their childhood consisted of many changes of scenery throughout the years. 

Following Bill’s career with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the family moved frequently around British Columbia, spending time in cities both big and small. From Merrit, Chilliwack, Alexis Creek, Castlegar, Kamloops, Fort Nelson then back to Kamloops, where she ended up spending a majority of her life. Angela left a piece of herself in each place and held onto special memories from all. Angela also fondly remembered her relationship with her grandparents, Elise Lena Connor Waugh and John Joseph Waugh, whom she admitted often spoiled her and her younger brother. Perhaps it was this generational trait for generosity that saw her household mold and shift many times over the following decades. 

Angela was a proud foster parent to many, opening up her home alongside her then husband Colin Edward Taylor. These relationships lasted many years beyond the time spent in her home and the foster care system itself; she eternally treasured those memories and connections, treating any and all who entered her home as just another part of her ever-growing family. Even when Angela stopped fostering in the early 2000s, focusing on raising her own children, Kendalyn and Landon Taylor, she continued to do respite care throughout the years and offered up her affection and home to those who might need a safe landing place. Both children recall summers spent at the family cabin at Nimpo Lake, backyard barbecues and adventures to the Enchanted forest. Each will miss the special bond they shared with their mother, in childhood and adulthood. 

While sometimes life can go awry, everything has a way of figuring itself out in the end – a philosophy Angela held close to her heart. Following the conclusion of her first marriage, Angela was blessed with a second life partner with whom she reconnected with after 20 years apart. Initially having met in Castlegar during their high school years, Angela remarried in 2012 to her husband Lawrence George Pater. Together they were the happy co-parents to several dogs, cats and even briefly rabbits, over the decades and went on many camping expeditions in their tent trailer and made trips all across the province together. If she had been given more time on this Earth, their love would have remained steadfast for many more years. 

Never one to slow down, Angela did not find herself inclined to the empty nesting life after both of her own children had moved out of the home. In early 2020, she and Lawrence welcomed an international student from Japan, Misaki – who had a love for Hello Toast and they introduced her to other classic Canadian delicacies. Two summers later she had two students from Hong Kong; one of the students, Eyris, remained a loyal pen pal until Angela’s passing; sending photos and letters which she kept front and center on the kitchen fridge. 

Blessed to have many deep and unique friendships throughout her life, Angela cultivated some across the span of decades and others across the span of many miles. From her ‘Gar Gals’ to the ladies in her two book clubs, there were many beloved confidantes, many laughs and more love than could ever be enumerated in words. 

Although Angela worked numerous jobs throughout her life, from serving in restaurants to working on the floor of a lumber mill, she truly found her niche in human services. Always the loudest in any room, she was known for her ability to connect with both the “littles” and the “elders.” 

Beginning in the early 1990’s, Angela worked for the Boys and Girls Club Association of Kamloops. From day programs to trips to Barkerville and beyond, she helped mentor many young adults and teenagers during her time there. Following the evolving needs of her own family, Angela transitioned to her role with Interior Community Services where she worked as a member of their Family Support program. In this role she broadened her already robust circle of friends and served the Kamloops community for 20 years. 

If it had been her choice, she would still be working there to this day, filling the office with her infectious laughter and warm mentorship. However, in 2022, Angela was forced to take a step back from her role following her cancer diagnosis. Being a self-proclaimed “open book,” she bravely documented her cancer journey over the following four-and-a-half years, unafraid of the uglier sides of the illness while also demonstrating her incredible knack for finding humor and love in even the darkest moments of life. 

While these years were incredibly challenging, Angela kept her adventurous spirit until the end; taking trips to both New Brunswick and Newfoundland with two of her closest friends during this time. While Angela’s goal had been to see every province, she laughingly admitted out of all of the provinces, she was ultimately alright with missing out on Manitoba. 

Family, friends and the community as a whole will seem a little less bright for a while, as Angela brought a luster to life that all who knew her recognized. A dabbling artist, recreational hiker and avid reader, Angela had as many hobbies as friends and was unafraid to look silly or take a challenge head on. It is for all of these reasons she will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by many. 

A celebration of life will be held on July 4 at Thompson Rivers University in the Mountainview conference room; donations will be collected for the Kamloops Hospice which welcomed and cared for Angela in her final days. 

We encourage you to share stories, memories, and reflections at this event if able to attend. 

• Date : 2026-05-10
• Location : Kamloops