Rezansoff, Mae Doreen (Soviskov)
May 24, 1927 – October 23, 2015
Although it is with profound sadness and loss that the family of Mae Rezansoff announce her peaceful passing from our world while in the company of her family, she has now been reunited with many other cherished family and friends.
Mae was born in Arran, Saskatchewan on May 24, 1927. She moved with her parents to Grand Forks at the age of 9. She learned to play the guitar and enjoyed many a jam session with her father, Henry, who played the accordian, brother Hank who played the mouth organ, her mother who sang, younger brother Johnny who also played the accordion and on occasion her son who played the guitar. Many old Russian records remain of some of these jam sessions.
At a young age she went to Oliver where she worked in the orchards and packing house. She stayed with the Pastor and Mrs. Howell and learned how to iron shirts to perfection. Over the course of her life she worked at various jobs that included cooking at a local restaurant, flagging on road construction projects, and looking after three children and a husband. She met her husband George (Garry) in 1946 and married in April of 1947.They moved to many locations in B.C. following her husband’s work in the mining industry. They finally settled in Grand Forks where they raised their three children. She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, and her daughters had a fine assortment of crocheted bathing suits and beautiful dresses! She also enjoyed gardening especially if you were doing the weeding, music, writing songs. She taught both daughters the art of canning, and Olivia would return to Calgary on the bus with a trunk filled with various jars of fruit and vegetables which I am sure weighed at least 250 lbs. Mae and her late husband Garry were involved and were members of the Royal Canadian Legion and worked on the Poppy campaign for approx 13 years until Garry passed.
Her grandchildren were the love of her life. Always interested in what they were doing, giving advice when needed, and simply enjoying and loving them. She enjoyed a good game of canasta, and heaven help you if you cheated! Many a Saturday was spent with Mae and Mabel Faminoff beating Dana and George. Mae was unbelievably compassionate to everyone she crossed paths with. Her heart and her generosity knew no bounds. She devoted great amounts of time to caring for the ones she held close and even those she did not know too well.
Due to failing health, she has resided in Hardy View Lodge for the past four years and made many a good friend there. We would like to thank Cynthia and all the great staff at Sunshine Manor for providing her friendship, fun, and wonderful care. Special thanks to Mabel Faminoff and Chris Fieber for their heartfelt prayers. She was most fond of Ward who was truly a strong support during her final days. She surely enjoyed John’s music sing-a-longs. Predeceased by her husband George (Garry) in 1995, brother Henry (Hank) in 2006.
She is survived by her son Garry (Karen) of Kelowna, daughter Dana Novotny (George) of Grand Forks, daughter Olivia Swaney of Penticton. Grandchildren Jeremy Rezansoff (Janna), Kristy (Jamie) Needham, Jason Novotny all of Kelowna, Jessica Swaney, Kimberley Swaney of Penticton, and brother John (Iris) Soviskov of Penticton., two great-grandchildren Rylea Rae and Everlee Lou Needham. Truly a Christian and a beautiful person. A private celebration will be held at a future date.