Obituary of Traudy Squires

Edeltraud (Traudy) Squires (nee David) Oct 31,1928 to April 28, 2021 Traudy Squires, a long time Dawson Creek resident and wonderful hostess and mother, passed away on April 28, 2021 at 92 years of age. She was one of the last surviving members of the Tomslake Sudeten German refugee group. Traudy Squires was born on Oct 31, 1928, to Alfred and Marie David in Nieder Preschkau, Czechoslovakia. She was the oldest of three children, with brothers Horst David (Edmonton d.2020) and Fred David ( Prince George). She escaped with her family prior to the WWII Nazi occupation, and joined a group of other Sudetens who immigrated to Canada in 1939. They crossed the country on the CN railway, settling in Tomslake. B.C. While working at a caf in Wembley, Alberta, she met Frank Squires at a scratch baseball game. They married on May 5,1948 in Waterways, Alberta, where Frank was then working for the Northern Alberta Railways (NAR). Five children followed as the family moved around to various locations on the NAR railway line; including Grande Prairie, High Prairie, Watino, Nampa, Hythe, Fort McMurray and finally settling in Dawson Creek, where they retired in 1985. Traudy was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was famous for her baking and cooking. She often preparing celebration meals for family and friend gatherings for large groups of over thirty people. She created many happy memories for all of us who counted ourselves lucky enough to be part of her life. Her extensive cooking and baking providing the inspiration and recipes for a 250-page family cookbook, treasured by all her children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews. Her Black Forest Cake was famous amongst her family and friends. Her niece, Tracy David, requested it for her wedding cake, for her celebration in California. Not to be deterred by the challenges, she baked the cake and carried it in pieces in various luggage, assembling it onsite. Traudy was an avid bowler for many years. She acted as Treasurer for the Seniors Bowling league for many years, organizing numerous out-of-town bowling trips for the enjoyment of her teammates. She won many trophies, among which was the 1988-89 Dawson Co-op Union Sportsmanship Trophy. Frank and Traudy were active in their community, volunteering at the Pouce Coupe Legion, participating in floor curling, and hosting travelling performers. They were avid gardeners most of their lives and loved to share their efforts, including hosting a garden showplace for the Annual Garden Tour and Tea in 2000. Traudy and Frank loved to travel. Their cruise through the Panama Canal and trip to Puerto Rico were favorites. Traudy was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Frank Squires (d.2013), and is survived by her children Adele Britton (Hap) , Barbara Hartley (Glen), Darlene Squires (Dave, d. 2019) , Don Squires (Liz) and Valerie Goodwin (Bradley). She is also survived by nine grandchildren , Scot Britton, Sean Britton (Ginette), Michael Hartley, Gregory Hartley (Hillary), Aaron Hartley (Ana), Holly Richmond (Ray), Blaine Squires (Evany), Brett Seguin, and Dylan Share. Her eight great grandchildren include : Eoin, Saoirse, Henry, James, Lauren, Maddox, Tenley and Alexander. A Celebration of Life will be held for Traudy on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 2:00pm at the Super 8 by Wyndham, Dawson Creek, BC. Everyone is welcome!