Dec 27, 1935 - Jun 3, 2018
Mona Wright passed away peacefully at the age of 82 years in Creston Valley Hospital with family by her side.
Mona was born in Creston, BC, the only child of J. Verner and Eugenie Cook (nee Murton). Family meant everything: her greatest moments being those where family came together.
Mona attended Creston Elementary and Prince Charles Secondary Schools and soon after graduating had a job with the local newspaper. She later took on employment as a government clerk in the Cranbrook Courthouse. In 1954 Mona met her future husband, Rusty, at Cranbrook's Greyhound Bus Terminal. They married in Creston, BC in 1958 and settled into their first home in Cranbrook. Rusty's employment with Immigration Canada took them to the lower mainland where their three children were born. During that time they owned and operated two laundromat/dry cleaners while Rusty kept a full-time job in Immigration at Vancouver Harbour. Later, Rusty's employment brought them to locations in the interior of BC: Creston, Prince George and Kamloops. All that time, Mona loved organizing birthday parties, helping with school and extra curricular events, long drives, family picnics and regular visits to Creston. She remained committed to bringing her family to visit her parents and father-in-law as often as possible. Mona kept employment in courthouses or drivers exam offices while Rusty continued to pursue advancement within Immigration Canada. Rusty's last posting was in Toronto in 1978 and they chose to retire in 1986, returning to their favourite location: Creston.
Soon after settling back in town, Mona made the decision to sell her parents' farm. She quickly realized the blessing that it was for the new owners, who became fast friends and consulted her on many renovations and changes over the years. Friends became family.
Mona, along with Rusty, was active in several community and regional organizations including the Canadian Cancer Society, Citizens on Patrol and Restorative Justice. Both were heavily involved in federal politics and Christ Church Anglican for many years. Both were charter officers of the Federal Superannuates National Association, (Kootenay Branch). Mona loved to travel, especially to Arizona for the winter and visits with her children and grandchildren. Wherever she was, Mona gathered family.
After Rusty's death in 2011, Mona travelled to visit relatives in Europe and spent time with Rusty's cousins. Health concerns led her to move to Crest View Village where she regained strength and found old and new friends with whom she shared many happy times.
Mona was predeceased by her dear husband, Rusty (2011) and parents J. Verner Cook (1976) and Eugenia Murton (1986).
Mona will be dearly missed by her daughter Lynette; sons Vern (Wendy) and Derek (Maria); grandchildren Ivy, Madigan, Emma, and Matt; cousins Mel (Marj), Shari (Kent) & Lorne (Vivian) Murton, Lavon Lay (Jeff), Lloyd Bragg (Barbara) and Lois Cook as well as other relatives and close friends.
The family would like to convey their deepest gratitude to the friends who have visited Mona these last years and sent emails or photos to her family, and to Kathy Castellarin and the staff at Crest View Village who have always shown great care and empathy - of special note are the Assisted Care staff who have been very attentive and caring. Finally, deep appreciation to the acute care staff at Creston Valley hospital under the supervision of Dr. Barry Oberleitner who treated Mona in her final days; your support to the family and gentle care has been remarkable.
The Celebration of Mona's Life was held on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at 10:00 am at Christ Church Anglican, Officiated by Father Leon Rogers. Interment was at Pioneer Cemetery, Creston, BC.
Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to Creston Valley Hospital, 312 - 15th Ave, Creston, BC V0B 1G0 or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, 110-1525 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, ON, K1Z 8R9, 1-877-882-2582