May 6, 1943 - November 22, 2021
In Loving Memory of
María-Inés (Mané) Galbraith (née Ossa) passed away peacefully in Vancouver, B.C. on November 22, 2021 after an 11-year struggle with dementia.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband Michael Galbraith, daughter Veronica Booth (Matthew), son Andrew Galbraith (Emily), grandchildren Sophie, Alec, Isaac and Naomi, six siblings, 22 nieces and nephews, countless cousins and extended family members, and many beloved friends.
Born in Santiago, Chile, on May 6, 1943, Mané was the eldest child of César Ossa Coo and Inés Salcedo Velasco. She was the family's breadwinner for 10 years from the age of 18, establishing a pattern of indomitable resilience.
In 1977, six years after moving to Canada, she met Michael. They married in May 1978 and moved immediately to Tokyo for six years, where they welcomed two children and travelled across Japan, acquiring a love for its people, art and language.
Anchored by her faith, she steered the family through grief and joy and in moves to Vancouver, Tokyo again, Hong Kong and Singapore, before returning to Vancouver in 2008. Plans for an active life in Canada were cut short by her dementia diagnosis in 2010.
She displayed her artistic flair in her mastery of the Sogetsu style of Japanese flower arrangement. She had a deep love of music from around the world and was an enthusiastic board member of the Vancouver Chamber Choir.
Adventuresome and playful, with a strong mischievous streak, she was an elegant hostess with high standards for herself and others. But there was no one she couldn't draw into conversation using Spanish, English, Japanese, hand gestures or impromptu dances.
She inspired boldness in family and friends; she supported others with her enormous heart and boundless compassion.
Even on the other side of the world she never let bonds with her Chilean family weaken, and she doted on her mother-in-law, whom she called "Mum".
But above all, she adored her children Veronica and Andrew, and her great love, husband Michael. She created a beautiful, warm and loving home, wherever the family lived.
She was comforted and cared for in her final years by the extraordinary staff at Purdy Pavilion, UBC Hospital.
A Mass will be offered on Monday, November 29 for family only, with a larger celebration of life next summer.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to The Alzheimer's Society of B.C. https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/take-action/donate