Tribute

A celebration of Esther Lowe's life will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 1:30 pm at the Salvation Army Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Salvation Army Missions Fund would be gratefully accepted.

Esther passed away at Cumberland Lodge with family by her side.She was born in Birch Hills, Sask. and was the eldest daughter of Leo and  May Spani.  After finishing  Grade 11, she went to work at the Anglican Church Indian School in Prince Albert and then moved to Saskatoon to work at Woolworth's and Cafe 5 Corners. She met the love of her life, Howard, while they were at Church Camp and started dating him a year later. They were married on July 16, 1950. Esther helped Howard with his students in the one room schools he taught at in Sask., working summers at Woolworth's while Howard continued his education at university.  In 1963 they packed up the family and moved to Powell River. Esther started work at Fairweather's Store shortly after the move and then became deeply involved in foster parenting. Esther and Howard had over 50 children go through their home, with some of them staying with them all their lives, becoming their children. She was lovingly known as Mom, Aunty, or Grandma. There was always room for one more. Esther was also involved with the BC and Canadian Foster Parents Association holding several positions on the executive.  Howard and Esther received the Lieutenant Governor's Foster Family Award in 1991 in Victoria honoring their dedication to Foster Parenting.  Both of them were made Honorary Life Time Members of the BC Federation of Foster Parents Assoc. Esther had numerous other awards that she was proud of. Her honor ring for the Junior Auxilary of the Anglican Church, 125 year Confederation Medal, Heart of Gold Award (1 of 15 in B.C.) for volunteering, Gold Award for United Way, and several appreciation awards for Fostering from PR Local, Regional, and National Foster Parents Associations, and First Nations.

Her fondest memories were when all the family was together, especially Christmas in Calgary and at Mount Washington, the Family Reunions in Sask. and the numerous trips around Canada and the United States . Mom always said that dad knew what was best for her and encouraged her to start fostering. She cherished her time with other Foster Parents, sharing stories and supporting each other. The greatest accomplishments in their lives were seeing children in their care blossom and grow under their support, encouragement and unconditional love.

Esther is predeceased by her husband Howard, parents Leo and May Spani, son Glenn Phillips, daughter Laverna Lowe and grandson Christopher Welde. She is survived by her loving children, son Harold (Tracey) Lowe, daughters Berri Lynne (Rod) Peters, Leslie Ann (David) Welde, Flora Phillips, Rose (James) Henry, extended family members Lorraine and Ron Henderson, Steve and Emily Crowther, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sister Joyce (Robert) Lee, brother Stuart (Marjorie) Spani and their families.

We would like to thank all the care workers that helped Esther at home, Dr. Andreae, and Evergreen ECU in Powell River, Dr. Sand Russell Atkinson and the staff at Cumberland Lodge for the kindness and compassion.