10-Apr-1927 - 8-Feb-2024
It’s with profound sadness we mourn the loss of our beloved mother Ada Irene Montsion (Vandall). Cherished wife of the late Ernest Montsion. Daughter of the late Anna (Pilloud) and David Vandall. Predeceased by brother Robert and sisters Evelyn and Irene. She will be missed by brother Fred Vandall and lovingly remembered by her nieces, nephews and close friends.
Ada peacefully departed us in her 97th year. She is survived by her daughter Shelley Lytwyn (Ken), son Warren Montsion (Gayle), three grandchildren Zach Lytwyn (Sherri-Lyn), Katie Majerus (Michael), Dan Lytwyn (Laura) and six great-grandchildren Liam Majerus, Victoria Majerus, Mila Lytwyn, Margot Lytwyn, Dylan Majerus and Ford Lytwyn.
Ada was a survivor. In the span of three years she lost her father, her mother and her husband. Ada was a widow at 31 years old. This sequence of events came to define her. Rather than folding she chose to build her life around Shelley and Warren.
She got a job (which was uncommon for mothers in the 1950’s). Ada rose steadily at MacMillan Bloedel, a large lumber company in BC. When Shelley left home for Ontario to eventually marry and have children of her own, Ada moved east after retiring and cared for those grandchildren.
All she ever wanted to do in life was stay home and look after her family.
Mom always said, “When you think you can’t go on, you don’t give in. You pick yourself up and keep going.” We’ve heard it said that from uncertainty comes great strength. We know this to be true because grit and tenacity was in her DNA. Her great-grandfather, Antoine Vandal, was a Métis leader who helped bring families together to establish the town of St-Jean-Baptiste, Manitoba. Both Antoine and Ada were true family leaders in their own way.
Ada was a proud veteran. She served in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC) while our young men were overseas in World War II. Her role supported the armed forces and helped maintain the home front during this difficult time in our history.
Thank you to the staff of the Villa Retirement Lodge and Villa Care Centre in Midland for their outstanding care and compassion. Mom always said you were the best. Our family can attest.
Following cremation, a private family celebration will take place. Ada’s ashes will then rest with her cherished mother in Vancouver.
Rest in peace, Mom!
Arrangements entrusted to LeClair Cremation Centre
