Ethel May McFarland
Born Dec. 15, 1916 and passed away peacefully
on April 6, 2012 in the Langley
extended care home at the age of 95.
Ethel was born in Arbakka, Manitoba, the seventh of eight children of Chas and Carrie Whitehead. She married Russell McFarland in 1934 and lived in the Emo, Fort Francis area until after the war, when with their three children, Donna, Norman and Donald, they moved to Strome, Alberta. They came to Smithers in 1950 and loved the beautiful mountains and lakes. They built a cabin on Babine Lake and spent many summer weekends fishing and relaxing with friends and family.
Ethel was a member of the Smithers United Church Women’s Auxiliary where she spent much of her time, knitting, sewing and baking for the many bazaars and fundraisers. She was an excellent cook and used those skills to enter and win many prizes at the Smithers Fall Fair as the top point-getter for the Blue Ribbon baking contest for many years. She was also an avid curler and bowler and helped her team win a trophy or two.
Ethel and Russell moved to Victoria in 1970 where they were able to enjoy their beautiful flower gardens and a milder climate. They joined the garden club and were chosen as having the most beautiful flower garden in Esquimalt for two years running. They moved to Aldergrove in 1999 to be near their family. They spent 67 years together.
She was predeceased by her husband, Russell in 2002, son Donald (Nita) in 1989 and son-in-law Jim Hickey (Donna) in 2009. She is survived by her daughter, Donna Hickey, son Norman (May), daughter-in-law Nita, along with eight grandchildren and ten great grandchildren whom she loved and cherished.
A Celebration of Life Tea was held in her honour at The Little White Tea House in Fort Langley attended by 28 family and friends. She will be missed by all her many friends and family who were blessed by her kindness, love and friendly smile.