February 6, 1948 — March 9, 2025

It is with heavy hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Mary “Lynn” Lancaster (nee Vaillancourt) on March 9, 2025 at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home in Kamloops, BC. Lynn was predeceased by her parents Mary and Val Vaillancourt and sister in law Wilma Grant. She will be dearly missed by her husband of 51 years Richard Lancaster, children Soren Lancaster, Wade Lancaster (Jessica) and Rhea Wheeler (Michael), and grandchildren Mallory, Ty, Tate, Kipton, Lawson, Hazel, Rhett and Edwin, brother Lance Vaillancourt (Jeanette) as well as nieces, nephews and friends.

Lynn was born February 6, 1948 in Yellowknife, NWT before her family moved to Burnaby, BC. She was involved in the United Church all throughout her youth and graduated from Burnaby South in 1966. After meeting Richard she joined him in Whitehorse, Yukon and took a job working at Trans-North as one of the parts girls, becoming a much loved member of the Trans-North family. Lynn and Richard returned to the family dairy farm in Matsqui after their wedding and raised their children there. In later years the dairy farm moved to Walhachin, BC.

Lynn spent much of her time volunteering for various organizations over the years. The United Church Women’s group was one of her favourites and she maintain involvement throughout her time at churches in Abbotsford, Ashcroft and Kamloops. Lynn was invested in her children and was heavily involved with the schools PAC and 4-H Clubs. Many dear and life long friendships were made through her years of volunteer work. Lynn had a passion for her hobbies and she enjoyed the time that it allowed her to spend with family and friends crafting and making. She was always willing to try something new and master many skills in flower arrangements, cake decorating, sewing, toll painting, scrapbooking and card making. Sharing her work with others brought her much joy when they received the lovingly made gift. During the last few years gardening at Walhachin was one of her favourite hobbies and brought her great joy.

Lynn will be remembered for her cooking and entertaining, she put great effort into making delicious meals for special events. Hosting dinner parties for family and friends was always enjoyable and happily attended by everyone. From Christmas suppers with a specific menu each year to fondue parties Lynn provided love through her cooking and entertaining.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to Elizabeth Grant, Susan Arkison and the Stott family for their support during the end of Lynn’s life. As well as all the staff and volunteers at the Marjorie Willoughby Snowden Memorial Hospice Home. As well as a very special thanks to the nurses and doctors of the renal ward at Royal Inland Hospital. Also thank you to Stromsten Ventures Trucking Division owner Matt and driver Kevin for their help in transporting the last Diplomat cake from the Bon Ton in Vancouver to the Kamloops Hospice for Lynn to enjoy.

Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Schoening Funeral Service (513 Seymour Street, Kamloops), officiated by Reverend Dr. Michael Caveney. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to a charity of your choice.

• Date : 2025-03-09
• Location : Kamloops