June 20, 1933 - October 14, 2020
With great sadness we announce the passing of our dear mother, Marjorie Helene McRae. She passed away peacefully at Mills Memorial Hospital in Terrace, British Columbia on Wednesday October 14, 2020 at the age of 87 years.
A descendant of a local pioneer family, Helene grew up in Usk B.C. and later attended high school in Prince Rupert.
She returned to Usk to work at Adams Lumber Company where she was an integral part of the business. There she met Bill McRae and they were married in 1951. Together they grew the business and began their family. They later moved to Terrace as operating partners in the development of Skeena Forest Products/Skeena Sawmills.
Family came first for Helene. Her parents and extended family meant so much to her and with them she was her happiest and most comfortable. Bill was very active in the community and Helene strongly supported him, most often in the background in the early years, with her sharp mind, organized approach, and 'matter of fact' way of getting things done.
She entertained a multitude of guests in their busy home, be they friends or family, business associates or travelers from all walks of life and with a wide range of interests. An extra plate could easily be added to the dinner table and the coffee pot was always on.
Helene loved the Northwest. She liked to support local artists and appreciated First Nations art. She collected many photographs, books, and materials related to local history and she enjoyed sharing her interest with others.
As the editor, Helene was instrumental in assisting Norma Bennett publish two volumes of Pioneer Legacy: Chronicles of the Lower Skeena River. Helene enjoyed her history groups and the friends she made there.
In the past Helene was active in the Mills Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She also supported the Dr. Rem Lee Hospital Foundation and the establishment of Heritage Park.
In later years Helene enjoyed her garden, a good game of Bridge and her dear friends and family. Her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren provided her with great joy and both she and Grandpa Bill provided an enduring example of love and stability.
Helene was recently predeceased by her loving husband Bill after 69 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her son, Bill Jr., granddaughters Leigh Commins and Jane Lussier and sister Margaret Earley.
She is survived by her brother Bill (Joy) Adams, children Dixie (Rob) Samsom, Cathy McRae, Margaret (Dave) Commins, and Doug (Anni) McRae, 14 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and her nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed and remembered with love for her wit, kindness and generosity.
The family would like to thank the staff of Mills Memorial Hospital, the Palliative Care team, Home Care Nursing, the Home Support staff, BC Ambulance, and Vital Aire for their support and assistance.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Dr. REM Lee Hospital Foundation.