Megan J. E. PRATT

OBITUARY REILLEY Born into this world as Megan J.E. Pratt November 1920 - Montreal Departed this world Megan J.E. Reilley September 2005 - Vancouver Predeceased October 2000 by her devoted and loving husband Robert McAmis "Mac" Reilley Survived by daughter Janet Reilley, sons Dennis Reilley and David Reilley, all of British Columbia. Megan passed away peacefully on September 25, 2005 surrounded by her family, and with her beloved dog Teka at her side. The sadness of her departure from this earth was muted by the beauty of her passing - a moment of spiritual grace. Megan grew up in Montreal West and, like many of her generation, her life was disrupted by war in Europe. As a young bride she endured a four-year separation from her RCAF husband Mac, including two years where he flew combat missions; a terrifying week when she believed he had died after his plane was shot down in battle; and an additional two years while he was imprisoned by the Nazis. Megan also served in the wartime RCAF - on the home front - as a radio telephone operator. At war's end Megan nursed her dear Mac back to health, and together they built a successful life and raised three healthy children in Montreal's West Island and in the Laurentian wilderness north of the city, where she and Mac hand-built a cozy lakefront cottage. The other great passion Megan shared with Mac during these years was amateur theatre - and the two of them often appeared onstage together in local productions. After early retirement 30 years ago Megan and Mac began a second life in British Columbia - they bought their first BC home on impulse during a west-coast visit to family. This new life included new pursuits and new passions. Megan returned to the arts she had loved as a teenager and won many prizes for her painting, including a first prize at the Pacific National Exhibition. Megan and Mac also became active in organised square dancing; they belonged to clubs in Greater Vancouver, Penticton and - during the winter months - with other Canadian snowbirds in Arizona. In her later years declining health forced Megan to abandon most of these outside activities. She took advantage of these quieter times to shift her focus to family and religious growth - and her Christian faith became increasingly important to her. As she approached her final days this faith enabled her to face an eternal future with a heart filled with love and without fear. Megan Joyce Evelyn Reilley was loved and respected by all and will be sorely missed. Her sons and daughter are organising a celebration of Megan's life later in October at the home she shared with family during her final years. Published in the Montreal Gazette on 10/1/2005