Maureen Zahir Obituary

Just a few days shy of her 87th birthday, Maureen reunited with her beloved Max on September 13, 2023 and left this blessed earth which she shared with the many friends and family members whom she held so dear.

Born in London, England, Maureen spent several years of her childhood growing up amongst the ravages of World War 2. Often telling stories of food rations, bomb shelters and air raid sirens, a sense of gratefulness for what one has quickly became Maureen's mantra for life. She often preached to her children to "cut your coat according to your cloth," and to never squander, but rather treasure life's gifts. Never was a scrap of food nor paper wasted in her household. Recycling and reusing was Maureen's passion from a young age, and she steadfastly taught others to follow suit, years before her generation had committed to living such a sustainable life. It was almost as though she had a sixth sense for the fragility of earth we have come to understand today.

Maureen's years spent as a nurse and midwife prior to starting a family endeared her to caring for the young, sick and frail. She shared many a tale of navigating London streets on her bicycle en route to delivering babies, spending exhausting nights working on understaffed wards in overcrowded London hospitals, and attending to the elderly during their final days. Nursing was truly Maureen's calling in life, enabling her to share unending compassion.

In her later years, Maureen once again looked to helping others through her associations with self-help projects, volunteer committees, and numerous not-for-profit organizations, especially those with ties to developing countries. Having spent a year living in Pakistan soon after marrying her dear Max, Maureen gained a keen appreciation for the severe hardship others faced on a daily basis, simply living out their day to day existence. In fact one of the first projects Maureen engaged in after moving to Kamloops was the Pakistani Embroidery Project which involved Pakistani women exporting their intricately embroidered linens to Canada, which would then be sold by volunteers. It was an exceptional program, now disbanded, where impoverished women in Pakistan would get a leg up and find a supportive, social outlet.

Musical pursuits were another integral part of Maureen's storied life. Her father, a church organist, no doubt instilled a love of music from an early age. One of her earliest recollections was hearing her father play Bach's "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring," a fitting selection considering its message of hope and salvation. During Maureen's final days with us, music constantly played and gave her a sense of solace when it was needed the most. It was indeed balm for the soul.

Maureen had an uncanny ability to make conversation with anyone whom she came into contact with- there was always a reason to make chatter with those nearby. We all marveled at her ability to find something to spur a dialogue, no matter how complete the stranger. She had a particular affinity for children, and would often take the time to acknowledge them, once again engaging in dialogue with ease and grace. One of Maureen's favourite expressions, "There but for the grace of God go I," encapsulates beautifully her compassion for those from all walks of life, young and old, perennially free of judgement.

In tribute to her life well lived, Maureen's cherished children Sara (Joseph), David and Kate (Pierre) along with treasured grandchildren Alyssa, Kathryn, Nicholas, Max and Dante will continue to build on her legacies, spurred by her accomplishments, commitments, and philosophies.

A text which Maureen always cherished, Desiderata, perhaps speaks most eloquently to her unwavering loyalty to humanity. The excerpt, "As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others; even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story," so aptly mirrors Maureen's convictions.

Dear Maureen, we will never forget your sense of dignity, loyalty to those less fortunate, and compassion for all persons and creatures both great and small. Eternal peace is now so deservedly yours.

In lieu of flowers, if friends and family so desire, the family graciously requests donations made to Kamloops Hospice Association. Maureen was a Hospice volunteer for many years and thus this would be a fitting charity to commemorate her memory. Thank you.