Obituary of Violet Mary Braden

Violet Mary Braden 1920 ~ 2010 Violet Mary Braden passed away peacefully at Peace Haven Care Home on November 6, 2010 at the age of 90. Vi was born on July 17, 1920 in Rolla, BC to parents Norman and Rachel Little. She married Elmer Braden in August 1940 and remained in the Rolla area where they farmed for 40 years. They raised 3 children, Gloria Jean, Connie and Bud on the family farm and stayed there until they retired in 1979 and moved to Dawson Creek. She was very involved in all aspects of the community. Playing soft ball, curling and bowling kept her active throughout her life. She especially liked the ladies curling bonspiels. She was so proud when she was on the first "Nifty-Fifties” team to play in the provincial playoffs. She enjoyed helping others through her involvement in the Royal Purple, the United Church and Women’s Institute. Her service in the Royal Purple was highlighted when she received her 65 year membership pin. Even into her eighties, she could be found peeling potatoes and vegetables for their catering functions. She loved to garden and rewarded her family with homegrown produce and flowers, as well as taking numerous prizes at the Fall Fairs. The family remembers her many jars of canning – especially moose meat and saskatoons. She also enjoyed crafts of all sorts, knitting, crocheting and sewing. She knit several lap blankets for the care homes. Doing crosswords and reading helped pass the hours. She was interested in stories about the Queen and had to watch her Christmas broadcasts. Vi was a good piano player, a talent which she tried – unsuccessfully - to pass on to her daughters. The many hours she dedicated to help research and publish the "Rolla Remembers” book was a particularly enjoyable time for her. She was a quiet, strong and very caring person. Vi would never say an unkind word about anyone. Over the years Vi did some traveling across Canada and to Hawaii, Nashville, Europe, Disneyland, Alaska, Yukon, Bella Coola, and enjoyed several out-of-town concerts with her lady friends. Many fishing and camping trips were enjoyed – or probably endured is a better word. She was a tireless Grandma, always having time to play games with her grandkids and great grandkids, but showed no mercy when it came to Scrabble. Cribbage tournaments at Christmas were always looked forward to. She could make a delicious meal at a moment’s notice. Hot doughnuts ready as the kids came home on the bus were a real treat. Many stories have been told about her root-beer making trials. Preparing hot meals and taking them out to the harvest field were a daily occurrence in the fall. She was predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Elmer, her parents, brothers Harold, Everett and Del. She will be sadly missed by her children, Gloria Jean (Les), Connie (Doug) and Bud, by her grandchildren Ed (Penny), Kathy (Kelly), Ron (Sandy), Jody (Al) and Dean, and by her great grandchildren, Brian, Sheena, Jennifer, Amy, Greg, Jessica and Haley, her brothers, Lea (Louise) Little , Bernard (Shirley) Little and brother-in-law Ken (Nellie Braden. Vi will be greatly missed by her family and friends, but she left us great memories that will last a lifetime. The family would like to say a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff at Peace Haven and to Vi’s longtime friend, Gloria Coons, for her kindness and special care over the years. A memorial service was held on November 12, 2010 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, with Marilyn Carroll officiating. Expressions of sympathy in memory of Vi, may be made by donation to the Peace River Haven P.O. Box 188, 5213 – 50 Avenue, Pouce Coupe, British Columbia V0C 2C0.