Amy Corry Pavelich

Amy Corry Pavelich (nee Lisnet) passed away on January 18th, 2023 at the age of 84 years. She is survived by her daughter Kira (Keith) Limber of Salmon Arm, her brother Fred (Ans) Lisnet of Appeldorn, her grandchildren Gavin and Marcus, and extended family in the Netherlands. Sadly, predeceased by her son Sam Pavelich. Her ex-husband, John Pavelich along with his family: Marjorie Abby Pavelich, Marni (Richard) Abbott-Peter, and Mitsi (Greg) Schulte also grieve her passing.

Amy created her own family of close friends here in Salmon Arm and in Nanaimo over her lifetime. To say that Amy lived an adventurous life would be an understatement. She was born in Bojegonero, Indonesia and lived there in a family estate, as her father was governor. After surviving a Japanese prisoner of war camp in WWII, she and her mother and brother were sent to Holland, where they started a new life together. Amy immigrated to Canada in the early 1960s and she fell in love with the wide-open spaces, beautiful scenery, and friendly people. She met John in Cassiar, BC, married in 1964 and settled in Enderby to raise a family. She was an unconventional mother, who rode her Dutch bike around town with Sam and Kira on front and back bike seats! Birthdays were always a big celebration, with elaborate cakes and games. Amy pursued her education degree and taught in Salmon Arm as an Elementary school teacher. Amy and Kira moved to Salmon Arm in 1977, while John and Sam remained in Enderby. Amy went back to school to acquire a masters of French language from SFU and taught high school French. As an educator, she held strict standards for her students, while also creating a caring atmosphere. On school holidays, there were multiple trips to Europe to visit family, summers on Shuswap Lake, time spent in Southern France, Guatemala, Mexico, and numerous other warm weather destinations in the winters. Amy loved the arts, tennis, biking, camping, hiking, snowshoeing, and gardening. When Kira went to University, Amy went to live overseas in Brunei, Borneo to teach English. While there, she travelled extensively, inviting friends and family to join her. Scuba diving with sea turtles, trekking in jungles, climbing mountain peaks, visiting Orangutan sanctuaries, caving, hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge in China, riding a variety of railways through incredible vistas, and returning to her birthplace were all checked off her list.

Amy retired in Nanaimo, where she developed a love of sea kayaking. Again, she made a family of friends who shared her love for adventure. She was a gracious host, cooking Indonesian meals and acting as tour guide for all who visited. Amy took photography classes and honed her skills over the years. She often hosted slide shows of her travels and would be asked to photograph events. Amy volunteered at the therapeutic horse-riding center, helping children with disabilities.

To everyone who entered Amy’s circle, she tended to capture their hearts and create lifelong friendships. She challenged us to think independently, to seek connection, and to be our best selves.

Thank you to the staff at Andover Terrace and Hillside Village for your care and support. A gathering of friends and family will be held during the summer of 2023 in Salmon Arm. Memorial tributes may be made to the Literacy Alliance of the Shuswap Society or the Shuswap Community Foundation.