Kay Phyllis (Loring) Braby

The family of Kay Braby are very saddened to announce the passing of our Mother/Grandmother/Great Grandmother on April 7th, 2026 at age 96.

She is survived by her children: son Derrick (Debbie), daughter Cathy (Rick) and son Michael (Wendy). She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren:  Tara, Chelsea, Ashley & Justin, as well as several great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her commitment to family was unwavering.

Our Mother was a “student of life” who always loved to learn, question and challenge precepts and research any topic, including her own belief system. She placed ultimate emphasis on forgiveness and grace which was visible in her pursuit of social justice.

Mom was born in Viking, Alberta, the 2nd eldest in a family of 7 children.  The Loring Family moved to Salmon Arm when Mom was 4 years old, making them pioneers in this beautiful community.  She and her siblings all attended the Larch Hill School.  Upon graduation, Kay chose to pursue further education, which required that she travel to UBC in Vancouver, where she earned her Bachelor of Social Work.

On one of her breaks from U.B.C, she met her future husband Ernie (a recent immigrant from England) at a local dance.  They married soon after Mom got her Social Work degree and moved to Vernon, where both Derrick and Cathy were born.  Upon their return to Salmon Arm, their 3rd child Michael was born.

Salmon Arm is where Mom blossomed:  first in Social Work where foster children were often times welcomed into our home, while waiting for placements.   Later, Mom and Dad became agents for the Chevron Company (in its current location) and then purchased the Husky/Rambler dealership.  This unique venture created an opportunity for Mom to embark on a new career as a Book-Keeper.  This move was a great success and as the business prospered, Mom was able to leave to pursue other things close to her heart.

 Kay was a very dedicated member of the First United Church in Salmon Arm.  Many of her social friendships developed as a result of her on-going commitment to the Church, in which she served in many different capacities.  She drew comfort in the presence of this Church Community, while still exploring her own faith journey.

In 2001, she resurrected the Second Harvest Project in Salmon Arm and worked tirelessly to recruit other volunteers and build it into a very welcoming and judgement-free resource in the Community.

When Ernie passed in 2008, Kay, at age 79 embarked on a long-held dream to visit and work at an orphanage in Ghana.  She travelled alone and stayed a full year, continuing her on-going support of Girl’s Education and Medical Education in Ghana upon her return.

Kay was an avid reader, who was an enthusiastic member of a Reading Club and could always be found with at least 2 or 3 books on the go at any given time.

Although, Mom will be terribly missed by her family, friends and Community, we are happy that her spirit is free to re-unite with the loves of her life who have gone before her.

Many heartfelt thanks from our family to Dr. Sawatsky-Martens and to the kind, and caring staff from Cabin 5 at Hillside Village. You treated our Mother with grace, compassion, dignity and respect for which we are very grateful.

Service to be held on Thursday, April 16th, 2026 at First United Church in Salmon Arm at 2:00 P.M. with  Reverend Jenny Carter officiating.  For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed, through Bowers Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted to Second Harvest Food Bank in Kay’s honour.