February 23, 1934 - November 15, 2023
In loving memory ~
Mary Voiken (nee Lapshinoff), aged 89 years, passed away on November 15th in Grand Forks, BC. She was born on February 23, 1934, in Grand Forks, to William and Lucy Lapshinoff. She was the youngest of three children. She was raised in Grand Forks, where she received her schooling at the Fructova School. She met Peter Voiken, and they were married on December 20, 1952. They were blessed with five children. She waited until her children were grown before taking a job outside of the home as a chambermaid. She worked at several different motels throughout the community. Mary was a giving, loving, caring, and deeply devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and grandmother. In younger years, her family was always well taken care of through her cooking, baking, cleaning, and babysitting efforts. She spent many years helping to care for her ill and/or elderly parents, brother, uncle, and husband. Some of Mary's hobbies were crocheting, knitting, cross stitching, Doukhobor quilt making, reading, music, watching movies, and she also played an impressive game of scrabble. Her great passions were her garden and flowers, which she tended to immaculately. She was thrilled when four family members chose her garden area for their respective wedding ceremonies. She was always proud of her garden's produce and loved to show off her annual canning quotas. Mary was predeceased by her parents, brother William, sister Ann Koochin, husband Pete, son-in-law Gary Doucette, and an infant granddaughter at birth, Ciarra Voiken. She is survived by her sons Ron, Larry, and Michael, daughters Karen Doucette and Linda Voiken, grandchildren Jennifer (Nicholas) Isernia, Madison Morrison, Nadia (Robin) Duke, Michelle (Dave) Oram, Denelle Doucette, Rayna (RJ Leber), Asia (Chris Butler), Dara, Dane, Lex, and Cameron Voiken, great-grandchildren Evan, Emily, Rya, and Maxwell, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mary was deeply loved and respected by her family, and will be sorely missed. We'd like to thank the staff of Boundary Lodge, her personal care providers, and finally, Hardy View Lodge for the exceptional and special care that she received. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, November 21st, at the USCC hall, with burial to follow in the USCC cemetery.