June 24, 1951 – November 25, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Dawn Cruickshank (nee Walters) of Kamloops, BC, on November 25th, 2019, at 68 years of age. She is survived by her children James (Trisha) Cruickshank of Kamloops, BC, and Micheal (Hope) Cruickshank of Grand Prairie, AB, as well as grandchildren Hannah (Landon), Sydney, Dylan Cruickshank and Scarlett Gladu. Also left to cherish Mary’s memory are her brothers and sisters Susan, Ruth (Trevor), Pat (Carol), Don, Robert, Todd (Laurie) and Wanda (Jack) as well as many nieces, nephews, and her good friend Delores Weins.

Mary was predeceased by her mother Beatrice Walters (Kelso), father Edward Walters, and brothers Frank, Ralph and Dave.

Mary Dawn Walters was born the eldest daughter of Beatrice and Edward Walters in Grandview, MB, on June 24th, 1951. In 1955 the family moved to Knife Creek, then to 150 Mile House, and settled in the Glendale area of Williams Lake, BC, in 1965. Mary quit school in Grade 8 so that she could go to work to support her family. She later received her GED and certificate in business in 1978 through correspondence. Mary was always known as an extremely hard worker. She worked many years in the restaurant industry; The Bilnor, Corner Station Pub, Manager at Denny’s, but best known for the years owning and operating the Cook Shack Café.

Mary loved her children; James, born in July 1973, Micheal adopted in 2005, and the many children she opened her home and heart to as a foster parent. Many of these children looked to her as a mom as they aged into adulthood. Mary loved being a grandmother. She adored Hannah, Sydney and Dylan, looking forward to visiting them each summer.

Mary had a love for animals. She was often found caring for the ones that were sick or small, nursing them back to health. Her gardens were beautiful, she took so much pride in growing the biggest and best. While living in Wanham she discovered fossil digging, and would often take the kids down to the coulee in search of fossils. Mary always went out of her way to help people out, it didn’t matter if they were friends, family or strangers, she had the biggest heart. Mary was diagnosed with lung cancer in February 2016. She continued to look after her farm in her own until January 2019, when she moved to Kamloops with her son and family. While in Kamloops she continued to do some of the things she loved, gardening, spending time with her little dog and companion, Oreo, but best of all spending time with her grandchildren.

A special thank you to those who stopped by to visit her, reached out on Facebook, and phoned her regularly. Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to the Kamloops Hospice Association, 72 Whiteshield Cr., Kamloops, BC, V2E 2S9.

There will be no formal ceremony, as per Mary’s request.

Condolences may be expressed at www.myalternatives.ca

• Date : 2019-11-28
• Location : Kamloops, B.C.