Tribute

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our precious Mom, Lillian (Rusty) Fabbro, on July 13, 2015 at the F.W. Green Home.  Mom worked hard raising her four kids and always made sure we had what we needed. She spent endless hours sewing clothes for us as well as staying up all night Christmas Eve to finish outfits for the girls’ Barbie Dolls and put together Ron's bikes. We also had the best birthday parties in the neighbourhood with the most imaginative cakes.  Mom was also involved in the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band as a chaperone for a number of years and always looked forward to the summer trips.  She worked at Discount Foods and would always talk about the good times she had with Dean, the Manager.

Mom was born in the old Cranbrook Hospital and lived her entire life here except for a short move to Nelson to attend Business College.  She married her forever dance partner, Jim, on June 3, 1950 and they were married at the St. Eugene Mission. They were the life of the party at the Bluebird Hall and won many dance contests throughout the years.  

Mom was predeceased by her husband of almost 50 years Jim Fabbro, her Mom and Dad, Sam and Grace Ratcliffe, her sister Betty, and her faithful companion and dining partner Keeko (her dog).  She is survived by her brother Terry (Ruth) Ratcliffe, kids Ron (Shirly) Fabbro, Carol Reed, Linda (Dave) Birch and Bonnie Nielsen. She also adored and would keep her cupboard stocked with goodies for her grandchildren Chris Fabbro and Melissa (Mat) Box, Cory Reed, Chad (Jessica) Birch, Chelsea and Krista Birch,  Tyler Nielsen and her two nieces Debbie and Charlene.  She also has 3 great grandchildren which she would ask about all the time – Marshall and Mackenzie Reed and Camden Box.

We are honoring Mom’s wish of no service and will hold a private family burial at Fort Steele cemetery in August. We can’t thank the staff at the Green Home enough for the care, attention, compassion and simple kindness they showed Mom on a daily basis the entire time she was with them.  You are truly a special group of people and we thank you so much for making her transition to care easier.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Mom’s honor to the Cranbrook Girls Bugle Band.  Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com