In Memoriam: Rella Mary Meston

 

Rella Mary Meston
May 7, 1957 – April 12, 2013 

The occupational therapy community is mourning the loss of an esteemed colleague and dear friend, Rella Meston.  She lost her long battle with cancer in the Palliative Care Unit of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital on April 12. 

Rella graduated from the University of Alberta in 1979 with a Degree of Occupational Therapy.  She worked in various Home Care positions in Alberta, as well as being involved in provincial professional committess and activities. She and her family relocated to Nanaimo and Rella started a small private practice.  She then decided to support her husband in the operation of his business, letting her OT registration lapse.  When she wanted to return to health care, realizing that she could not work as an occupational therapist, she applied for a position as a Rehabilitation Assistant at the hospital – recognizing and respecting her different role while focussing on bringing the best out in her clients.  When the timing was right, Rella pursued re-entry into our profession, and once again was able to practice as an occupational therapist securing a permanent position with Home and Community Care in Ladysmith.  Rella valued and respected client-centred practice, and never stopped advocating for her clients and our profession.

Rella enjoyed a variety of leisure interests including hiking, biking, singing, and most recently achieving her dream of learning to play the harp.  She was always for living, as evidenced by her last hike up Mount Arrowsmith following surgery last summer.  She had an assistant in the event that she needed to stop, but she was determined to finish the climb – which she did!  Throughout the recent challenging progression of her illness, she maintained her witty sense of humor and fun loving personality.

Rella will be sadly missed by her two daughters, Kerri and Janelle, as well as other family members,  friends and colleagues.