July 31, 1938 - November 8, 2021
Laurel Dawn Reitlo passed away peacefully with her daughter holding her hand after a brief illness in the early hours of November 8, 2021, at the age of 83 years. Laurel will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her daughter Marlisle Carlton (Bob) of Penticton, and grandson David Carlton (Natasha) of Toronto, as well as extended and adopted family across the country. She was sadly predeceased only this past March, by her beloved husband of 63 years Don. Laurel was also predeceased by brothers Dale and Joseph, sister Marlisle, as well as her parents George and Helen Lewis.
Laurel was born July 31, 1938, in the northern Manitoba mining town of Flin Flon. It was there, while in grade seven, she met her best friend. Don was an import from Preeceville, SK and it wasn't long before they were buddies. It would be two more years before they went on their first date, but they would be inseparable forever after and married at the age of 19.
University took them to Winnipeg and the retirement of her parents took Laurel to North Vancouver during the summers. That is where her daughter Marlisle was born. Don's career with Johnson Controls would take them to Calgary, Toronto, and eventually back to Vancouver. In 1993 the whole family moved to Penticton.
Laurel was very active in provincial politics in the '90s and was responsible for organizing large events, rallies, and conventions. She was also heavily involved in the Rotary International Reading Program. A voracious reader herself, she donated her time and energy working with children as well as serving as long time president of the local Rotary Anns President. She will be dearly missed by the community she served and particularly the dear, lifelong friends she made along the way.
Laurel was funny, creative, generous, and a cool grandma to her only grandson David whom she adored and was so looking forward to seeing this Christmas. She was a friend, a mentor, a daughter, a sister, and grandma, but most of all, she was Mom.
The family wishes to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Penticton Regional hospital, especially Dr. Paisley, Monique, Sam, Matt, and Jocelyn on SP3. A Celebration of Life for both Don and Laurel is being planned for the summer of 2022 when all of their family and friends will finally have a chance to say good-bye. In Laurel's memory, please consider volunteering or donating to the Rotary Reading Program Donate | My Rotary.