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Marie Peerless

Born with identical twin Emilia in Sauchie, Clackmannanshire, Scotland, March 25, 1924. People there still remember the story of their father throwing coins into the street and distributing cigars to villagers in celebration of the birth of the “twinnies”. Sadly passed away with family at her side November 16, 2012. Marie and her twin maintained a strong bond throughout their lives like two peas in a pod.

Marie resided at the Ladysmith Lodge on 4th with her husband. Raised in Stirling and Glasgow, she served in the WAAF at Leeming Airbase in Yorkshire until World War II ended. She then went to the RAF Staff College and served dignitaries such as Lord Trenchard and General Smutts as well as Officers from all over the world. She migrated to Canada and eventually Ladysmith. She lived with Magistrate Byant and Mabel Pollock while working at Aird’s Jewellers on First Avenue.

At a dance, she met and married her life-long and surviving husband J.H. (Jim) Peerless of Saltair. Jim met this gorgeous young lady at a local dance and they fell “Hook, Line and Sinker” in love. They married July 30, 1949.

Marie treasured and doted on her family: son James (Dar), daughters Susan Banasky (Mike) and Janice Copp (Barry); grandchildren Don (Krista), Aaron, Anika (Dave), Jenn (Cormac) and Tracy (Brendan); great-grandchildren Shaelan, Paige, Hailey, Kenzie, Blaine, Cole, Rowan and one girl on the way.

While raising her family she helped in the Saltair family florist business and the Peerless Plant Farm. In later years she was a clerk and gas-jockey at Sunny Service, sales person at a Coronation Square bakeshop and worked in a Chemainus hardware store, but her passions, aside from her family, were baking, decorating designer cakes, entertaining and animals.

Sadly missed but forever in our hearts, a special loving personality, always gentle and jovial, so accepting of everyone...a true gem.

No service by request. Memorial Tea to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local SPCA.

The family wishes to acknowledge and commend all the loving and caring staff at the Lodge on 4th for their compassion, thoughtfulness and support. . . “Above and Beyond”.

The Twinnies are now together again

probably holding hands and giggling!



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