1927 - 2015
Kay Maras was born in Nelson, BC in 1927. When she was 16 her father passed away and, to support her mother, brother and sister she left high school to work for the City of Nelson. This began her public service career and a life devoted to the service of others in both her professional and personal life.
In 1971 she joined Parks Canada in Banff, followed by postings at Pacific Rim, Kootenay and Gwaii Haanas National Parks working in finance and administration until her retirement in 1991. In retirement, her commitment to the national parks continued. Kay was one of the founding members of the Friends of Kootenay National Park Association.
Kay was an active member of the Invermere community for 41 years. She served on the boards of several non-profit organizations. Her volunteer work included helping people with literacy challenges, reading with kindergarten children and volunteering at Columbia House. As a cancer survivor she provided support to others who were living with cancer.
Kay was active in parish life and the CWL in each community she lived in and took great pleasure in being a member of the Canadian Martyrs Church. Her contribution to parish life was boundless, from offering her financial expertise to singing in the choir, from giving rides to ensuring there were fresh flowers in the church each week.
In the last years of her life she faced many health challenges. She did not let this stop her from fully participating in life. She remained positive and touched the lives of many people with her spirit and generosity.
The family would like to thank Kay’s many friends who made it possible for Kay to serve her community during every phase of her life.
The funeral service for Kay will be held at Canadian Martyrs Church in Invermere at 10:30 am on Saturday, February 28, 2015. Her internment will take place this summer in Nelson, BC. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Columbia Valley Food Bank or the Canadian Cancer Society.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.
Condolences for the family can be offered at:
www.mcphersonfh.com