It's with sadness that we note the passing of Olive Moody (nee Mathers) on July 17th at the age of 92. She was the last surviving child of Straiton pioneers Dave and Jessie Mathers.

Olive was predeceased by her husband (Maurice), her parents and siblings Grace, Charlie, Art, Bob, Don, and Jessie who died last year.

Olive was born at home at The Upper Store in Kilgard/Straiton on September 19, 1921. This was near Barrowtown, near where Sumas Lake used to be and the clay operations were based.

Olive Moody (nee Mathers). Loving wife, devoted Mother, and Straiton pioneer

Olive's family later moved further up Sumas Mountain after the lake was drained, where she grew up on the family farm (Mathers Way) and attended school at the one-room Straiton School and then later Phillip Sheffield. In those days, Straiton had a store and a post office, along with the school.

Olive married Maurice Moody of Port Kells in 1947, and they lived in Maple Ridge for more than five decades. Maurice was in the Royal Canadian Artillery and landed on Juno Beach on D-Day. Olive served as a Ladies Auxiliary member of the Royal Canadian Legion for many years, and volunteered in several capacities including the Maple Ridge Hospital store and at her church (Saint John The Divine Anglican Church). But in the early years of her marriage she stayed focused on being a homemaker and mother to their three boys.

Olive is remembered for her love of family, friends, life, and laughter. Her giving nature and ability to brighten the lives of others is treasured by those she's left behind.

As Sumas Mountain residents, we're grateful for the sacrifices which Olive, her siblings and her forebears made to pioneer the Mountain community and lay the foundations for what we now enjoy today. Our very deepest condolences go out to Olive's loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

There will be a memorial tea at Straiton Hall this Friday, September 5th from 1 to 3 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Olive's memory to the Maple Ridge Hospital Foundation.