Stahl, Lillian
(January 4th, 2022)
It is with sadness and a heavy heart we announce that Jean quietly passed away on January 4, 2022 at the Trail hospital.
Jean was born in Hanna, AB on August 1, 1929. She spent the first few years of her life growing up in East Coulie, AB, Silverton, BC and finally Salmo, BC at age 11.
Throughout her life in Salmo, Jean worked at various places in the area, her parents Shell station, HB Mine, Wilson’s Shell station, Salmo Post Office, local sawmills, Dorey’s bus station, and the Salmo Golf Port.
In the early 50’s she went to Nursing school in Vancouver but changed to business college then returned to the mountains and the community she loved.
Jean was a strong supporter of the Guiding movement throughout her life and spent many years with many of the kids who grew up here. She was a great community member and donated a lot of her time to fundraising for the Salmo Swimming Pool and the Salmo Skating/Curling Rink. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Salmo Historical Society, the Salmo Library and St Paul’s Anglican Church.
Jean was an avid reader and always said if she ever needed a holiday all she had to do was pick up a book. They took her all over the world. She also loved crafting, from tea towels to Christmas ornaments to knitting and crocheting to quilts. We were blessed with so many gifts.
Her love of travel took her to many places. A trip down route 66, the Grey Cup, World Figure Skating, Germany, Africa, but her favourite place was the eastern provinces with PEI and visiting L.M. Montgomery’s home being her highlight. She made lifelong friends everywhere she went.
Jean is predeceased by her husband Kurt Gunter Stahl, parents Margaret Dorothy (McGregor) Avery and Ernest Edward James Avery, brothers Ronald Avery and Lorne Avery, daughter Patti-Reay (Stahl) Boyle, grandson McGregor Stahl and nephew Gordon Avery.
Jean is survived by her children; Elaine Stahl (Greg Wilson), Jamie Stahl (Lai Fong Ma) and Gerry (Tanya) Stahl, grandchildren; Daniel, Erin & Meighan, Cameron, Avery-John, Ethan, Tony, Chris, Jessica, great-grandchildren; Brandon, Dominic and Lillian Hope, nephew Douglas Avery, cousins Don Smith and Doreen (Smith) Stephens and her extended family Shirley McKenzie, Arden Olson and grandkids Jacob and Jesse Olson and Janet Anderson.
The community of Salmo has lost a great keeper of the history, a strong supporter of the community and will be missed by many. She hoped to be remembered fondly for her love of her family, her community service, her happy smile and the twinkle in her eye as she showed off her dimples where she was kissed by the angels!
A celebration of life will be planned for summer. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations can be made in Jean’s name to St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Box 835, Salmo, BC, V0T 1S1.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
