Obituaries

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Anna-Lee Francis Delany, predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Terence (Terry) Delany in 2014.

Born in Kamloops BC to Marion (nee Suffa) and Harry Picariello on October 31, 1944, Anna-Lee Francis Picariello was initially raised in Kamloops. When her parents divorced and her mother remarried, Anna-Lee was adopted by her stepfather, John Samoridny. They resided in Lillooet before moving to Richmond, BC where Anna-Lee attended Richmond High. It was there she met and fell in love with a handsome new immigrant from Ireland, Terence “Terry” Donal Delany.

After she graduated from high school, they were married on June 29, 1963. Their daughter was born in 1965, followed by their son in 1967. Residing first in Richmond, then Langley, they moved to Ashcroft, BC in 1975 when Terry was hired at Bethlehem Copper. In Ashcroft, Anna-Lee was active in Girl Guides, but her passion lay in curling; she became president of the Ashcroft Curling Club, a position she held for many years.

Following Terry’s retirement from the mine, they moved to their lakefront property on Canim Lake. She loved being at the lake each summer. She enjoyed painting, playing cards, online games, and time spent with friends. Her friends were very important to her. She cherished and maintained friendships from all periods of her life from her school days, through early years of marriage, Ashcroft, Canim Lake and Sunbeam. An avid fisher, She enjoyed spending her summer evenings sitting on the dock, fishing rod in hand. But above all, She loved spending time with her four grandsons. Each fall, Terry and Anna-Lee travelled south to El Centro, CA, where they spent their winters with friends at Sunbeam Resort. After Terry’s passing, she moved to Summerland where she developed a wonderful friendship with Terry’s younger sister, Margo.

Anna-Lee never stopped mourning Terry; they had been married 51 years and she missed him terribly. On January 10th, at the age of 74, They were reunited when she passed away peacefully in Kelowna hospital, with her son and daughter-in-law at her side.

Anna-Lee is survived by her daughter Terry-Anne (Carmi) Smiley, grandson Brendan (Elise) Watters, and great-grandchildren Karra and Kayden Watters, all of St. Albert, AB, and son Brian (Michelle) Delany, as well as grandsons Colton, Braeden, and Logan Delany, all of Kamloops, BC. She leaves many beloved nieces and nephews, step granddaughter Kim and her family, many cherished friends, and her surviving siblings.

We would like to thank the staff at the Penticton and Kelowna hospitals for their compassion and care. We extend an extra special thank you to Aunt Margo Delany of Summerland, for the attention, assistance, and especially the friendship she gave Mom / Emma during her final years without Dad / Poppa, it meant so much to her.

As per Anna-Lee’s request, no service will be held. In lieu of flowers, a donation made to QuitNow at the BC Lung Association would be appreciated.

• May 02, 2019
  Brian & Terry-Ann, it was with great sadness that I saw on the internet that your mother had passed away! I am sorry that these condolences were not sent to you sooner as we winter down south just like your dad and mom used to do and one loses track of news back north. It was an honour that I had the priviledge of working along side your dad at Highland Valley, and through him, getting to meet and know your mom, they were both such wonderful people. Please accept our deepest condolences to both of you and all your family.
  
  Vickie & Wayne Godlien
• Jan 22, 2019
  What a lovely picture, it captures how I always think of Anna-Lee. Sometimes emotions are to hard to describe with mere words. I have known Anna-Lee my entire life, and she holds a special place in my heart. She will be greatly missed. My deepest condolences to TA, Brian and your families.
  
  Love, Fiona and family
• Jan 21, 2019
  Brian, Terry-Anne & family,
  
  Our hearts are with you all at this sad time. Anna-Lee was a wonderful long time friend, as was Terry. Our thoughts are with their family. I will never forget the very big fish Anna-Lee caught at Canim Lake. She was in the middle of the lake fishing, we could hear her from shore hollering. She was so excited. RIP dear friend.
  
  Love you, Brian & Joan

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