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December 27, 1920 - August 6, 2015

Iris Fraser passed away peacefully on Thursday August 6, 2015 at Nelson Jubilee Manor at the age of 94.

Iris was born in Nelson B.C. at the Nelson Birthing home on December 27, 1920 to parents Alexander Moore and Ida Moore (Fietz).

She attended the Nelson Schools and after graduating from L.V Rogers High she attended the Nelson Business College. Her first job was in Salmo as a secretary.

Iris married Roy McKenzie in 1941 and in 1942 they started their family with the arrival of their son, George McKenzie followed by their daughter, June McKenzie in 1945.

The family spent many weekends over the years, camping and fishing at Woodbury Creek, and various camp sites in the Nelson area.

Iris loved knitting and made many sweaters for her family. She also finished many cross-stitch and needlepoint pictures which were mostly of flowers. She had a passion for belonging to the Nelson Hospital Auxiliary, having been a member for over 40 years. When she moved to Oliver, she joined the Oliver Hospital Auxiliary and the Oliver United Church Choir.

In her earlier life she and Roy belonged to the Nelson Square Dance Club, the Couple’s Club, and Iris to the Ladies Sewing Club.

Iris returned to work in the late 1950’s and worked as a stenographer at the David P. Fairbank Architect Office. After leaving the Architect Office she took a stenographer’s position at the Trafalgar School, and then transferred to the L.V. Rogers High School. She enjoyed the students in both schools and when she retired she enjoyed wonderful memories.

After Roy passed away Iris spent the next few years keeping busy with her hobbies, the Hospital Auxiliary, travelling, visiting friends and family.

At the age of 70 Iris married Charles Fraser of Nelson, B.C. They moved to Oliver to enjoy their new life together and to be close to Charlie’s brother. They both enjoyed Bowling and travelling. Iris took up Golfing at the young age of 70. She would always say: “I may not hit the ball far, but it is always straight”.

She was an avid Bridge player, having belonged to Nelson and Oliver Bridge Clubs. When she was in her 88th year she was teaching a few lady friends in Oliver how to play bridge.

Surviving Iris are her children: June (Bob) Nuyens of Nelson B.C., and George (Margaret) McKenzie of Courtenay B.C.

She was blessed with five grand-daughters: Debby Smith of Richmond, B.C., Pam (Darren) Smith of Brisbane, Australia, Cheryl (Jason) Wilson of South Surrey, B.C., Linda Petkova (Kiril) Petkov of Sophia, Bulgaria and Diana McKenzie of Delta, B.C. She was also blessed with eleven great grand-children: Jessica, Taylor, Kelsey, Thomas, Jackson, Vanessa, Emma, Anna, Alexander, Jeremy and Colin.

Iris was predeceased by her husband Roy McKenzie in 1978 after thirty-four years of marriage, and by Charles Fraser in 1998. Sadly she was also predeceased by a great grand-son, Jeremy Blair Wilson in August 2014 at the young age of six months.

Thank you to all of the Staff at Lake View Village for your caring, comfort and understanding. Without all of your help, Iris would not have been able to enjoy her home with you for four years. She loved her sunny apartment, your smiling faces and your jokes.

Thank you also to Dr. Janz and all the Staff at Nelson Jubilee Manor. You are truly amazing people. The understanding and compassion, the patience and kindness shown to your residents is without equal – and for that we are truly grateful.

Thank you to the Graham Funeral Home in Oliver, B.C. for your kindness, sensitivity and professionalism.

Please, come and join us for a “Celebration of Iris’s Life” to be held at the Nelson United Church, on Monday, August 31, 11:00 a.m. The address is 602 Silica Street.



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