Marina was born to Anna and William Dance on January 27th, 1935, in Kamloops, BC. She was the middle child of 11 siblings.
Throughout her youth, she attended and graduated from Saint Anne's Academy. Upon graduation, she met the love of her life, Frank DeNeef. After a short courtship Marina and Frank were married on April 25th 1953. They were blessed with seven children, six girls and a boy. Marina's life was filled with her passion and dedication to raising her children, and her unconditional love never ended with her own. Her door was always open to any child who needed a place.
She was an active volunteer in both Kamloops and Clearwater in many different roles; The Conservative Party (where she had the honour of flying out to meet the Prime Minister), A Brownie and Guide leader, and numerous years working for both election BC and Election Canada and on the Board of Directors for the TNRD. She worked at both the Kamloops and Clearwater Credit Union. Marina was blessed to retire early and spend many years in Yuma, Arizona, with Frank. Her highlight in Yuma every year was preparing for and gathering at the Canada celebration.
Marina loved cooking, baking, sewing, crocheting, gardening, camping and fishing. She had a love of doing crafts, which she passed down to be carried through the generations.
As the years unfolded and her children grew into their own families, her true joy emerged "her grandchildren."
Marina was predeceased by her husband Frank, son Frank JR, son-in-law Bruce, daughter Caroline, sisters Margaret and Kay and brothers Wally, Art, Pat and Edward.
Marina is survived by her daughters Darlene Lewis, Theresa (Joe) Pelton, Margaret (Mike) Slute, Mary (Robert) Mattenley, Kathy(Gary) Braaten and son Lyle (Gail) Cartier, brothers Dave, George and Bill and sister Myfanwy. She was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren, too “great” to be named. As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Marina leaves a legacy of strength, courage, faith and the belief that life's journey comes with perfect imperfections, yet it's still a beautiful world.
Laurie Day
Laurie is also in the class of 1953
Jim Dempsey
James Edward Dempsey passed away suddenly on May 4, 2019.
Jim is survived by his loving wife Sandra of 62 years, his children Jamie (Mark) Wilk, Gary (Sue) Dempsey and Lori Dempsey, and the joys of his life, five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Jim is also survived by his younger brother Ed Dempsey. He is predeceased by his parents Sam and Mimi Dempsey, sister June Janning and brother Jack Dempsey.
Jim was born on June 30, 1934 in Edmonton, Alberta and moved to Kamloops in the 1940s. He was employed by CN Rail for 44 years and retired early to enjoy time with his family and friends.
Jim enjoyed golfing, curling, gardening, playing crib, travelling and cheering for his grandchildren from the sidelines, in numerous sporting events. He was also an avid Blazers season ticket holder.
