Mom was born Blanche Verna Schmor into the loving family of Herman and Nettie (Peters) Schmor in the small Mennonite town of Hepburn, Saskatchewan
on August 16, 1925. Mom was the fourth of seven children born to Herman and Nettie. Mom passed away on July 22, 2014 at the FW Green Home, Cranbrook.
Mom married the love of her life, Ruben Siemens (also a Hepburn boy), on September 30, 1944. After Dad was discharged from the Army Mom and Dad moved to the Fraser Valley where Mom remained for the next 65 years. Mom’s three boys were born in BC – David (1947), Laird (1953) and Mark (1955). Mom moved to the FW Green Home in Cranbrook in 2011.
Mom was a great mother and she was an even better mother-in-law. However, she was best at being a grandmother – playing in the sandbox with her grandchildren while she was still dressed in her Sunday church clothes.
Mom loved being Dad’s wife (they were planning their 50th wedding anniversary when Dad died), loved animals of all sorts especially horses and loved throwing parties for family and friends.
Mom was predeceased by her parents, by Dad in 1993 and by brother Marvin and sisters Pearl and Jennifer.
She is survived by: sons David and Mary (Behchoko, NT), Laird and Annalee (Cranbrook, BC) and Mark and Carol (Summerland, BC); grandchildren Corrie (Chris), Peter, Sarah (Wesley), Nathan (Jen), Allison (Andy) and Jennifer; and, great-granddaughters Isabella, Analeigh, Isla and Camryn.
Mom is also survived by sister Grace and brothers Earl (Ruth) and Bob (Mary) and by Dad’s brother Milton (Anne).
Mom loved much and was loved much – she loved her parents, sisters and brothers; she loved her nieces and nephews; Mom loved Ruben beyond measure; she loved her sons and especially loved the three daughters they brought into the family; Mom loved and reveled in her grandchildren and her great-granddaughters. Most of all, Mom loved her Lord, Jesus……and maybe that’s why we loved her so much. Thanks for everything, Mom.
The family thanks the staff at the Green Home for their tender loving care of Mom these past three years and especially these last few days – you were very kind and compassionate. Your kindness to Mom and the family will never be forgotten. Also, the family thanks all the musicians that came to play at the Green Home. Mom loved music and you made her final years enjoyable. A special thank you goes to Dr. Wanda Marlatt for taking such a special interest in Mom – your tenderness will never be forgotten.
Services in Cranbrook and Abbotsford will occur at a later date.