Obituary of Lisa Victoria Ayres

February 24^th, 1969 – January 21^st, 2021

 

Lisa was born in Kamloops, B.C., on February 24^th, 1969 to David and Judith Ayres. The family relocated to Chilliwack in 1975 and a family farm was purchased in Greendale in 1976. This is where Lisa was raised, and she gained her great affection for animals. Lisa worked the family farm and was an active member in 4-H, of both the Horse Club and the Chilliwack Beef Club. Lisa attended Greendale Elementary and later attended Sardis Secondary School where she graduated in 1987. The family moved to a ranch in Vernon, B.C., in March of 1987. Lisa joined the family after she graduated and attended Okanagan College that fall. Lisa then entered the Medical Radiography program at BCIT. Lisa completed an internship at Vancouver General Hospital and started her career as a Radiography Technician in a mobile mammography van. She then moved on to an X-ray tech position at Peace Arch Hospital.

During her time on the coast Lisa met her future husband Eric Hampton. The two were married on the Family Ranch in Vernon on July 1^st, 2000. After a few years they welcomed the arrival of their first son; Joshua Tyler Jordan Hampton on March 19^th, 2004 in White Rock B.C. In the summer of 2006 Lisa accepted a position at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in the Radiography Department. Lisa and Eric had chosen Cranbrook as the area they wanted to raise a family. Lisa and Eric welcomed their second son; Justin Ryder Cody Hampton on February 26^th, 2007 in their new community of Cranbrook.

On April 18^th, 2011, a daughter; Jessica Jade Rayne Hampton was welcomed into the rural Cranbrook family. Lisa and Eric have never been disappointed in choosing Cranbrook as their home; the boys played hockey and baseball. Jessica was active in figure skating and baseball. The family enjoyed their time on the small hobby farm they purchased when they moved to the area. Lisa loved animals, the house was also home to dogs and cats. And no expense was spared for their care. The family enjoyed the time they spent together feeding the chickens, collecting eggs, and working in their large green house. They also enjoyed their time in the community selling produce at the Farmer’s Market. Leisure time was spent boating on Moyie Lake. Lisa loved to see the kids have fun swimming, tubing etc.

Sadly, in the fall of 2013, Lisa received a Flu Vaccination that changed the course of her life. Lisa developed Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM). In the early stages Lisa had been paralyzed from the waist down and was flown to Kelowna Hospital to treat her worsening condition. Eventually they got things under control and Lisa was able to return home. She was able to walk again with the use of a walker. Lisa’s condition progressively got worse; she went from a walker to an electric wheelchair.

This did not stop Lisa; she had a modified van she could operate with her hands while in her wheelchair. She took the kids to their activities and tried to live a normal life. In Lisa’s latter years she needed care aids to come in a few times a day. In the final six months of her life, she needed twenty-four-hour care.

During these years Lisa loved to hear everything about the children’s day. She wanted to hear about the boy’s hockey games, Jessica’s skating or anything else in their lives. With all these hardships Lisa managed to maintain a positive attitude and show gratitude for anything anybody did for her, sporting her large infectious smile. Anybody who experienced this incredible positivity and gratitude was forever changed. Even though Lisa was given such a horrible condition; she never complained and marched forward with dignity and courage. Lisa was the embodiment of the term GRACE.

 

Lisa is survived by Eric and their children, Joshua, Justin, and Jessica of Cranbrook, B.C.,her parents David and Judith Ayres of Vernon, B.C., her older brother Dave Ayres (Michelle), and their children Lee, Kyla, Kiera, Mack, Alexi, and Fred of Kamloops, B.C., her aunt Angela (David) Livingstone and their children Phaedra and Stephanie (Peter) and their children Leah and Brooke. She is also survived by her mother in-law Carole, brother-in-law Glen Hampton (Michelle) and their children Chenille and Brianne of Vernon.

 

Lisa was predeceased by her grandparents Fred & Dora Ayres, as well as Stan and Marjorie Nall, and her father-in-law John Hampton.

 

The family would like to thank Doctor Madeline Oosthuizen for the fantastic care given to Lisa and the children in her final months. Dr. Madeline went above and beyond for the family. Lisa was extremely fortunate to have such a caring friend. We would also like to thank Melanie and her staff at CTC. Thank you for Lisa’s fantastic care; Kat, Gail, Heather, Emma T, Jenn, Emma M, Annelise, Mekaela, Angela, Sydney, Josie, Susan, Dawn, and Mel. We are forever in your debt.

 

The Family would also like to thank the Cranbrook Community, especially the families of the Cranbrook Bucks hockey team. The support given to Lisa and the family was incredible. Thank you for making her last Christmas so special. I hope you all realize how much she loved you all.

 

Lisa will have a memorial at a later date. When she will be able to have the attendance, she deserves.

 

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com