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WRIXON, KATHLEEN EMILY nee SANDERSON September 18, 1914 - August 30, 2013 With deep regret we announce that Kathleen Wrixon died in the early hours of August 30, 2013 at Penticton Regional Hospital. Survived by her loving family: Her son, Colin Robert (Alma) Wrixon; daughter, Linda Diane (Jim) Oliver; stepson Charles Frederick (Donna) Wrixon; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews; sister Beatrice and brother Gerald. Sadly predeceased by her husband Gordon Charles Wrixon, her grand-daughter Leah Jennine Oliver, and her siblings Mary, John, Alfreda and Robert. Kathleen was born on September 18, 1914 in Frosterley, County Durham, England, the third of seven children born to Louis and Louisa (Gregory) Sanderson. Her parents returned with her to Canada in 1915 and she resided on the family farm in Elstow Saskatchewan until the age of 18. Kathleen attended North Elstow country school completing grade VIII in 1929 after which she took high school by correspondence. She assisted her family on the farm and in the Co-op store and also worked for another family as domestic farm labour, ultimately completing Grade XII in 1942. Kathleen obtained her teaching certificate that same year, then taught school in Mildred, Saskatchewan from 1942-1945. From 1945-1948 she continued her education at Victoria Hospital, Prince Albert, graduating to become a Registered Nurse. She had the reputation of being an excellent nurse, practicing in Prince Albert, Vancouver, Spiritwood, and Prince George, before retiring in 1968. In 1951 Kathleen married Gordon, remaining faithfully at his side until his death in 2003. They lived in the bunkhouses on the CNR outfits then moved to Maimont, Saskatchewan followed by Prince George, Kamloops, Coquitlam, Cawston and Summerland. Kathleen was a truly admirable person. Raised in relative poverty and experiencing the Great Depression she was determined to get an education and gain personal independence. Her intelligence, hard work, personal fortitude and will power persisted throughout her life. Kathleen was self-reliant, a quiet woman who kept her own counsel. She was a conscientious homemaker, excellent cook, and loved to read and garden. She always appreciated the daily gifts of life: the gatherings of family and friends, humour, crosswords and Sudoku, her home, the kindness of others and the wonder of the natural world. Instilled with a keen sense of loyalty and responsibility for family she supported parents, siblings, husband, children and grand children in whatever ways she could. Thinking of others before herself, she had an endless capacity for compassion and kindness mixed with a willingness to forgive and an ability to adapt. As Kathleen aged and time progressed she faced a number of challenges, some of which were daunting. Still, she kept her intelligence and independent spirit intact. She was remarkable and inspirational. Kathleen will always be remembered and loved by her family. She will be missed most deeply. Kathleen will be laid to rest at the Cawston cemetery in the presence of her family. In remembrance of Kathleen, family, friends and neighbors are invited to an informal gathering at her home: #1-10907 Jubilee Road, Summerland on Sunday, September 8, 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. Condolences may be directed to the family through providencefuneralhomes.com
