Marie Antoinette (Toni) Oats
Marie Antoinette (Toni) Oats, born September 18, 1914 passed away on March 1, 2010, at the age of 95. Toni is lovingly remembered by her four children, Maryteen (Bill) Dodge, Muriel (Mike) McGoran, Bernar (Pat) Johnston and Don (Leslee) Johnston; nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; 2 great-greatgrandchildren; her brother Roland; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Julian Thomas Oats, her parents, Rosanna and Paul Major, one brother, John, and one sister, Rose Eva. Toni was born in Athabasca, Alberta. She lived in Edmonton and Salmo. Toni and Tom moved to Merritt in 1961 where she turned a dirt pile into a beautifully terraced yard, fl ourishing with roses, flowers and vegetables that she tended for over forty years. Friends and neighbors could always count on a good
cup of tea and yummy baking when they dropped by. Toni was well known to be able to lay out the most delicious meal at a moments notice and for the beautiful baby outfi ts she knitted for the hospital and her family.
Toni volunteered many hours in the community of Merritt. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League, Eastern Star, Nicola Valley Hospital Auxiliary and The Lions Club. She was always there to lend a hand, whether it is to bake apple pies or to cater a function. She was a tireless worker and an inspiration to us all. Just after her 94th birthday she moved from
the family home into Nicola Meadows. There, she was well taken care of by their kind and considerate staff. The family would like to thank all Toni’s friends, the ladies from the Catholic Church, the staff of Nicola Meadows, the staff at N.V.H., Dr. van der Mere, and also the staff at Overlander Residential Care for their caring attention to Toni.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 5 at 11 a.m. in the Sacred Heart Church, 2326 Jackson Avenue.
As a long time member of Adah Chapter #16 O. E. S. Kamloops, I wish to extend my sincere sympathy to Toni Oates’ family. Over the years our chapters visited back and forth and I have many happy memories of Toni. Sincerely,
Marion Bennett
Even though she had 95 years I selfishly wish there were more. I will always remember her for her distinctive handwriting and her many patient letters, her camouflaged humour, and classy style. Beneath her gestures and conversations were the many signals and markers of her deep concern, love, and pride in her family. My heart reaches out to all of them now. When someone passes we often need just a few moments to reflect on what is important in our lives, to think about ways that we can create special moments that others will cherish and remember with fondness, like Auntie Toni did.
Marie Peters
We were next door neighbours to Toni and Tom 1976-79 in Merritt. I remember our first day in the house she brought us baking and a beautiful bouquet of gladiolas and we were good friends from that day on. We didn’t have a Christmas card from her this year and maybe last year too so we wondered how she was doing. We have very fond memories of her and her beautiful garden. Our sincere sympathy to all the family.
Maureen Mackenzie