1920 ~ 2017
It is the end of an era for the Kehoe family of Bridesville, BC., with the passing of Alice “Sam” Holm, who died peacefully on May 20th in her residence at The Heights in Victoria. She was a daughter & last survivor of the children of James and Florence Kehoe who were pioneers of south central B.C. She was a proud mother of four, grandmother to three grandchildren, & three great granddaughters.
Sam was a natural writer, poet & artist, and feminist before the word was invented. In her over 40 years in Williams Lake she was active in a variety of groups & organizations including the Toastmistress, Women’s Institute, Seniors Choir. She continued to write poetry and paint well into her 80’s. And up until her passing was still playing crib and doing the daily crossword.
She is survived by her four children, Martin Holm (Gail), Warren Holm (Phyllis), Sherril Wodynski (Peter) and Janice MacBurney (Mickey). Grandchildren, Michael MacBurney (Hyejoo), Christine MacBurney (John Jasinski) and three great grandchildren Mila, Bree, and Alexis.
Sam was predeceased by her husband, Allan, her granddaughter Tara, her sisters; Marguerite/Les De Merchant, Lenora/Ken De Merchant, Grace/Reg Pitman, Nellie/Norman Davidson, Annabelle/Willard Foster and brothers Jim/Evelyn Kehoe & John/Jean Kehoe.
Sam worked hard in difficult times to raise her family and lend a hand to other where she could. She would probably not agree that she accomplished much in her life but those who knew her would take exception. She will be missed by her family, many nephews, nieces, and friends.
My Life Story
My life story will not hold you in thrall, I fear
I came, I saw and I will disappear
Some people conquered Everest; some even conquered space
But when I’m gone I will sink without a trace
I sometimes think – and yet we all must have a purpose here
Perhaps my purpose is to stand and cheer
And in my time there has been much to cheer about
I’ve lived in an age of miracles, no doubt
The greatest ever seen
Wonder drugs discovered and machines
To lighten work, to entertain, to span both space and time
A magic escalator on an ever upward climb
Fine works of art, good books, friends to cheer the way
Wonder after wonder, a miracle a day
A tree upon a meadow would probably live and grow
If it didn’t have the company of the flowers down below
But perhaps it needs the flutter of a tiny bluebird’s wings
To urge it ever higher – To finer things
No, I’ve never made the headlines but perhaps I’ve done my share
For when great things were happening, I was there.
Written by Sam Holm