ANITA WEBSTER (STEPHENSON)
August 5, 1926 – March 4, 2009
Anita Ann Sophia passed away peacefully at Ashcroft Health Site on March 4th 2009, at the age of 82, succumbing to her long and courageous battle with cancer.
Anita is survived by her children Cheryl (Frank) Boyle of Prince George; Laurie (Pamela) Webster of Ashcroft; Leslie (Ken) Tassell of 100 Mile House.
Nana was dearly loved by her eight Grandchildren: Jennifer (Vincent); Ryan (Erin); Rory (Shandee); Hayley (Joel); Kiel (Chelsey); James; Krista (Jon); and Brett. Her star will shine for her seven great grandchildren; Gabrielle, Avee, Leo, Madeline, Lane, Odin, and Finn.
Anita also leaves behind many relatives and very close friends. Your visits and special times spent with her were precious, and we thank you all for your love and support.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Les in 1993; her parents Julia and Clarence Stephenson, and her brothers George and Clare Stephenson.
Anita was born in the original Lady Minto Hospital in Ashcroft on August 5th 1926 and spent her first 18 years as a small town girl. She enjoyed riding bikes, swimming at the slough, and spending time with her family and many friends. She worked at the Ashcroft Cannery, telephone office and took hairdressing training in Vancouver. She eventually met the love of her life Les Webster in 1943 when he arrived in Ashcroft driving for Greyhound. In 1946 they were married at St. Albans Anglican Church. They spent time in Vancouver, moved to Penticton where the children were born, and in 1961 moved back to Cache Creek where she spent the rest of her life.
Anita was actively involved with many community events. Mom & Dad were involved in the building of the Cache Creek Community hall. Mom had celebrated over 35 years of volunteering for the Canadian Cancer Society and is a honourary lifetime member of the Ashcroft Ladies Hospital Auxiliary. Her sporting loves were golf and curling where she made many lifelong friendships.
For countless decades Mom’s home was the official “pee stop” for friends and relatives as they travelled up and down the Cariboo Highway. Anita’s devotion to family always brought us together. Many an hour was spent playing cards and gathering around her at the piano for a sing song. Everyone was made to feel at home and she could serve up a great meal at the drop of a hat. Her warm heart, generosity and ability to sit down and strike up conversation with anybody, even if she had to resort to sign language or charades, endeared her to everyone she ever met.
Anita’s wish was to be buried on a warm day when the flowers are blooming. A celebration of her life will be planned for such a day. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to the Palliative Care Unit, Ashcroft Health Site, Box 488, Ashcroft, B.C. V0K 1A0 or the Canadian Cancer Society in memory of Anita.
The family wishes to offer a special thank you to all the Staff at the Ashcroft Health site for their wonderful care during Mom’s final days.