Obituary for Iris Ruth McLarty (Sandberg)
Mom was born and raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She grew up with her three brothers (Arnold, John, & Lorne). Her parents, Ingeborg and Peder Sandberg, had emigrated from Norway just after the turn of the century. Growing up during the Depression and subsequent war years were tough times and money was scarce. Despite all this, Mom had many a fun moment with her brothers and friends, hockey in the winter and baseball, fishing, and swimming in the Red River in the summer months.
After being wooed by Ken McLarty, a friend of Arnold’s & John’s, Mom accepted his marriage proposal and they were wed in 1951. Ken (Dad) had just gotten out of the RCAF and had joined the Winnipeg Police Department. Soon, Sue (1952) and Dean (1955) came along and the family was looking for new surroundings. Dad joined up with the Vancouver Police Department in 1956 and the family moved west to BC. Mom became pregnant with Colin (1957) and he was born in Vancouver later that year. Times remained tough and things were difficult in the early years.
In 1961, we moved to our first home after buying a house on West 11th in Kitsilano. That year too, Kelley (1961) arrived: the 4th and final sibling. We established roots and our family lived there for the next 37 years. Many a fond memory for Mom: all the kids growing up and many friends in the neighbourhood. Good times and bad, we all stayed together as a family. Mom worked at the local CIBC and knew just about everyone. The whole family still fondly remembers our time in Kits!
As the kids grew older and left the nest, Mom was always there to help. Family dinners were often held for the growing family and both Mom & Dad were supportive of their children and respective mates; Sue Maitland (Jim), Dean McLarty (Suzanne/Janis), Colin McLarty (Zorah) and Kelley Pyrik (John). Mom adored all her Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren: Jeff, Maurie, Mia, Andrea, Karmel, Travis, Ben, Tessa, Nevan, Kai, Keiden, & Zoey.
In 1989, Mom and Dad became empty nesters, decided to sell the family home, and bought a condo in New Westminster on the old BC Penitentiary site. Mom remained active with her bingo and many friends, all while looking after Dad as his health slowly deteriorated until his passing in 2013. For the next two years she was as active as possible, still driving in her late 80’s and staying involved in family affairs. This all came crashing down after Colin died from cancer in 2015. Mom got depressed and suffered anxiety from which she never really recovered. A short hospitalization and evaluation revealed a diagnosis of onset dementia.
In 2016, Mom was moved into the Nicola Lodge (PoCo) and resided there until her recent passing. Thank you so much to all the staff, and especially the crew in the Dewdney Neighbourhood. They did the best they could for Mom as she slowly declined in health. Communication and planning were excellent. Mom received the best care available, especially in these Covid-19 times. Also, thanks to Sue & Jim for all the extra time and effort that they devoted to their mother while she was in care.
There are many stories to remember Mom by: she was the salt of the earth and as honest as the day she was born. Mom placed others before herself and was always true. She will be forever missed.
After being wooed by Ken McLarty, a friend of Arnold’s & John’s, Mom accepted his marriage proposal and they were wed in 1951. Ken (Dad) had just gotten out of the RCAF and had joined the Winnipeg Police Department. Soon, Sue (1952) and Dean (1955) came along and the family was looking for new surroundings. Dad joined up with the Vancouver Police Department in 1956 and the family moved west to BC. Mom became pregnant with Colin (1957) and he was born in Vancouver later that year. Times remained tough and things were difficult in the early years.
In 1961, we moved to our first home after buying a house on West 11th in Kitsilano. That year too, Kelley (1961) arrived: the 4th and final sibling. We established roots and our family lived there for the next 37 years. Many a fond memory for Mom: all the kids growing up and many friends in the neighbourhood. Good times and bad, we all stayed together as a family. Mom worked at the local CIBC and knew just about everyone. The whole family still fondly remembers our time in Kits!
As the kids grew older and left the nest, Mom was always there to help. Family dinners were often held for the growing family and both Mom & Dad were supportive of their children and respective mates; Sue Maitland (Jim), Dean McLarty (Suzanne/Janis), Colin McLarty (Zorah) and Kelley Pyrik (John). Mom adored all her Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren: Jeff, Maurie, Mia, Andrea, Karmel, Travis, Ben, Tessa, Nevan, Kai, Keiden, & Zoey.
In 1989, Mom and Dad became empty nesters, decided to sell the family home, and bought a condo in New Westminster on the old BC Penitentiary site. Mom remained active with her bingo and many friends, all while looking after Dad as his health slowly deteriorated until his passing in 2013. For the next two years she was as active as possible, still driving in her late 80’s and staying involved in family affairs. This all came crashing down after Colin died from cancer in 2015. Mom got depressed and suffered anxiety from which she never really recovered. A short hospitalization and evaluation revealed a diagnosis of onset dementia.
In 2016, Mom was moved into the Nicola Lodge (PoCo) and resided there until her recent passing. Thank you so much to all the staff, and especially the crew in the Dewdney Neighbourhood. They did the best they could for Mom as she slowly declined in health. Communication and planning were excellent. Mom received the best care available, especially in these Covid-19 times. Also, thanks to Sue & Jim for all the extra time and effort that they devoted to their mother while she was in care.
There are many stories to remember Mom by: she was the salt of the earth and as honest as the day she was born. Mom placed others before herself and was always true. She will be forever missed.