Our Team
We offer compassionate support services, resources, and programs to individuals and families navigating serious illness, grief, and end-of-life journeys — empowering them to live with dignity and comfort.
Staff Members
Administrator
Gaynor was born in England and emigrated to Canada shortly after. She grew up in Maple Ridge where she and her husband raised their daughter. Gaynor began her non profit career in 1996 at the Burnaby Hospital Foundation. Following this, she joined Variety The Children’s Charity, contributing to initiatives that support children with special needs across BC. In 2016, Gaynor and her husband relocated to Oliver, where she continued her professional journey with Royal LePage South Country Realty. Outside of her professional endeavours, Gaynor is passionate about the outdoors and enjoys hiking with her dogs.
Program Director
Bookeeper
Sandra grew up in the Okanagan, and she and her husband Dave moved from Kelowna to Osoyoos in 2020 as empty nesters. She still works as an accounting technician and has past experience as a church treasurer, part-time bookkeeper, as well as helping her husband run a small assisted-living care home for seniors. She joined the Society as a volunteer in 2024, and also volunteers as a pianist and catering co-ordinator.
Board of Directors
President
I was born in Comox, BC. We moved to Oliver in 1989 from Richmond, BC. I have been married to Larry for 51 years and we have three daughters Marnie (Jeff), Donna (Mike), Lynnet (Mac), and four grandchildren, Josh, Brianna, Austin and Riley. I am the former Mayor of Oliver (1997-2005), Chair BC Small Business Roundtable (2006-2011), Oliver Councillor (2011-2013), and MLA Boundary Similkameen (2013-2020). Currently I am the President of Sunnybank Ladies Auxiliary and a Kiwanis member.
Vice President
Rita was born and raised in central Saskatchewan. She has one son, three step- children and ten grandchildren. Rita is a Social Worker and spent the majority of her career working in Humboldt, SK in positions with Social Services and Mental Health. She worked as a Private Therapist, Speaker and Certified Stress & Wellness Coach from 1999 until 2013. Grief and bereavement counseling support has always been an area of special interest for Rita and after the death of her husband in 2006 she developed a deeper passion to work with those experiencing loss and grief. Rita is now semi-retired while continuing to work for Homewood Health.
In 2019 Rita moved to Osoyoos, following a life dream to live in the Okanagan Valley. She is becoming more involved with her new community through volunteer work including Desert Valley Hospice Services, which she loves. Rita is committed to doing her part to make our world a safer, gentler and more peaceful place to live
Secretary
Born in Spain and raised across Venezuela, the U.S., and Canada, Sarita spent nearly 30 years as a real estate appraiser in Vancouver, working on projects ranging from residential homes to major commercial developments. Now retired in the Okanagan, she devotes her time to helping others and celebrating the arts. Sarita volunteers with the local food bank and the Rotary’s backpack program, supporting those facing food insecurity. A dedicated quilter, she creates and donates quilts to charitable causes and is also active with the Osoyoos Museum and Art Gallery.
Treasurer
I was born in the Lower Mainland where I married and had 2 children. Our family has now grown with six grandchildren. I started volunteering with the Hospice in Surrey until I retired and moved to the Green Lake Area. I started volunteering again with Hospice in the 100 Mile area, but more in the fund raising, following up with individuals whose family member had died. In 2021 I moved to Osoyoos as the cold was getting to us. I am now back at Hospice in a different capacity. This is now our home and I hope to help people understand the importance of Hospice.
Director
Colleen was raised in the Town of Osoyoos, BC. In 1988 she returned to the community of Oliver with her husband Garnet, where they raised their family and still currently reside and work. Colleen’s past experience with being on local Boards has been: Beaver Lodge, Okanagan Portuguese Club, COPCS, and PL@SS. Colleen recently completed the BC Alzheimer’s Society training as a Facilitator for Caregivers groups within Oliver and Osoyoos. She currently works as a Service Provider Contractor for CLBC and part time Volunteer Lead Coordinator for Park Drive church. Colleen and Garnet Home Share with two individuals and have been for the past 12 years.
Director
Maureen is a long-time resident of Oliver. She has held many volunteer roles and been part of several community groups. Mo has served as Emergency Social Services Coordinator for the Town of Oliver setting up evacuation centres for natural disasters, leading up to 10 volunteer; served as Secretary, Treasurer, President and Director of the Rotary Club of Oliver; coordinated and trained youth on toastmasters, etiquette, and interviewing in the Oliver Youth Ambassador Program for 20 years; was one of the 3 original creators of the Oliver Art Walk; served on the Oliver Christmas Light Up committee in 2009; and served on the Okanagan Correction Centre Citizen Advisory Board. Mo also served as a Oliver Town Councillor from October 2007 – October 2018.
Director at Large
a Retired Psychiatric Nurse. Deanna for the past 8 years has been working as the Manager of Health Services for SOAICL in Oliver (retired last October). She worked at Sunnybank in Oliver in the dementia unit and Country Squire in Osoyoos. Deana for the past 40 years has been married to Ron Gray. They have 2 children, Ryan Gray and Megan TeBrinke and 5 Grandchildren, Stevie, Riley, Sawyer, Hadley & Calder. They are also proud owners of a 6 year old black retriever name Jake. Deanna enjoys travelling and camping but she tries to spend as much time as possible with her grandbabies.
Director
Mary grew up in Vancouver and graduated from Killarney Secondary School with an arts scholarship. She attended the Vancouver School of Art (Emily Carr) and Langara College, studying Fine Arts and Commercial Design. After moving to Williams Lake in 1981, she apprenticed with a master signmaker and discovered her passion for commercial arts. In 1988 she started her own sign business “Sign Language”, operating it for nearly 20 years. In 2007, Mary moved to Oliver where she worked from home creating signs and commercial design. Her husband Brian and herself have four children and eleven grandchildren. They enjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and home projects.
Contact Us
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