In the early morning hours of Thursday, May 28, 2015, LOIS “ANNE” GRIS passed away peacefully at the Joseph Creek Care Village in Cranbrook at the age of 78 years. Anne was born in Mission, BC on August 31, 1936 to Gordon and Millicent Ferguson.
Anne was an incredible musician and she loved to share her music with others. She taught piano for many years and touched the lives of so many with that talent. She graduated with highest honours from the Royal Conservatory of Music Canada becoming a gold medalist concert pianist. Both mom and dad enjoyed music. Dad taught at the Prince Charles Secondary School and when the school burned down, they were instrumental in setting up the Creston Concert Society , La Musica and the Creston Children’s Choir. Mom played for all the musicals in the drama department at the school. When Anne lived in Kamloops, she taught many students but one stood out for her than the rest. This young student came from a poor family and in order to practice the piano, the family drew a cardboard drawing of the piano keyboard for her. When Anne left Kamloops, she didn’t want this young girl to lose the natural talent she had so she gave her a Baldwin upright piano so she could continue on with her training. This act sums up her love of music and her thought that everyone should be able to achieve their dreams through music. Mom will now be joining dad and be reunited once again to carry on their music.
Anne leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Nancy (Mike) Briggs; three grandchildren; Gordon (Brittany), Christopher and Brian (Melanie) Potyok and one great grandson; Jamison. Also left to mourn her are her step grandchildren; Cody Briggs and Patti (Shawn) Eckman and one great granddaughter Jessie. Also her loving sister and childhood trouble maker Freda (George) Bennett. She leaves many nieces, nephews cousins and her special friends; Donna (Earl) Clay, and her life long friend Gaye Olfert. Anne was predeceased by her beloved husband, Chester; her sister Judy and her parents.
A private family graveside service will be held. Memorial donations may be made in Anne’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 19 – 9th Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC V1C 2L9. Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com.
A very special thank you to the RNs and RCAs in St. Marys’ pod of Joseph Creek Care Village for your kindness to mom while she resided there with you. As well as Dr.Witten It was appreciated more than words can say.