鈥淭his is nursing, but it鈥檚 nursing of the soul.鈥�
A retired nurse with 40 years in her profession, Mary Malerby has long tended to the needs of her community even after her retirement.
Among her many roles, she is a director with the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre Society, involved with the Trefoil Guild (Girl Guiders either active or retired who are 30 years old and over who wish to maintain a contact and association with Girl Guides), president of the Catholic Women鈥檚 League, Community Dental Access Centre board of directors (proactive in bringing dental programs to residential care facilities), BCNU union executive for seven years including four years as vice-president, councillor for the District of Coldstream and a member of the Crown Jewels of Canada Society.
To top that list off, Malerby has spent nearly 12 years with the Family Resource Centre, mostly as the board chairwoman.
After leading the social agency through ups, and bringing it up from downs, Malerby chaired her final AGM recently.
But not before the centre board and staff could pay their own honour to this woman who has done so much for her community.
鈥淢ary has been not only our biggest advocate for the centre, she has been a steady and passionate leader for the Family Resource Centre,鈥� executive director Scott Manjak said.
鈥淪he has kept the agency focused in its mission to serve community members that have mental health issues and kept the board focused on what its role is as a board.
鈥淗er leadership over the past years has been instrumental in the success of FRC.鈥�
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To recognize Malerby鈥檚 valuable contribution, board members (present and past), staff and volunteers contributed towards an original oil painting by local award winning artist Linda Hunt.
Hunt鈥檚 work, including Malerby鈥檚 gift (a painting of Kalamalka Lake including the Okanagan Rail Trail), is inspired by the natural landscape and diverse beauty of the Okanagan.
鈥淏ecause you鈥檙e a long-time resident of Coldstream we thought it was appropriate,鈥� new board chairwoman Barbara Keith said.
Wiping tears from her eyes as she listened to the kind remarks from her FRC family, Malbery was overjoyed and thankful for the parting gift.
鈥淚鈥檓 not disappearing I鈥檒l probably be back here next year for the free lunch,鈥� Malerby laughed.
鈥淎ll in all, I learned a tremendous amount鈥 had tremendous people around to teach me.
鈥淭he whole Family Resource Centre, right from the beginning, I鈥檝e been amazed and I鈥檓 still amazed and I thank you all for that.鈥�
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jennifer@vernonmorningstar.com
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