30 — Sunday, May 16, 1999 ~ North Shore News Life’s not so taxing fo CHATTING over cof- fee with Marcia Coleman is truly a pleasure. This charming and sclf- confident ex- business lady says that she believes “Lite has a pattern for us, so have trust and faith in yourself.” Her career in business has been challenging and suc- cessful. Marcia was a found- ing member of the North Shore chapter of what is now an international club. Her dedication te her work. fami- ly and community demon- strates the calm, self-assur- ance and determination that has propelled this thoughtful and gracious lady through the years. Marcia does not remem- ber the move from Calgary (her birthplace in 1917) because she was only eigh- teen months, one of three children — all girls. Educated here on the coast, her working career began with the Swift Canadian company in 1935, pertorm- NEWS photo Mike Wakefisid MARCIA Coleman rermembers the early days of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, when ladies met in the back room of Milady’s Wardrobe. it’s a sure sign of Spri ing, secretarial and assorted duties, and dealing with mostly sales people. She moved to North Vancouver in °38 and mar- tied Charles in 1940. For the next few years she kepr busy being a homemaker and rais- ing her nwo children. Then in 1949, she and Charles formed the North Shore Plumbing and Heating Company and lite got con- siderably more involved for Marcia. She did the book- keeping, secretarial work, sales and took care of the financing. She was involved in every aspect of the busi- ness including the small debts court lawyers. As the company grew, so did Marcia’s involvement. She worked until she was 75 years of age and says, “I never did really quit.” For years while working for the family business, she also did bookkeeping for two other firms. She still contin- ues to advise individuals on investments and accounting, especially around income tax time. “T keep up with the changes regarding tax and the financial scene,” says Marcia. After Charles had a stroke and his long stay in the hos- pital, Marcia cared for him at home for 22 years with help from friends and neighbours, as she continued to work with the family business. Keenly interested in the business world, in 1951 Marcia was a founding mem- ber of the North Shore chap- ter of the Business and Professional Women’s Club, and was sccretary for three years. The ladies, 19 of them, ‘ met in the back room of Milady’s Wardrobe on West 2nd Street and applied for a charter — it all started there. Marcia is proud that today, in over 100 counrries, working women are working for working women. In the carly days, she played the violin in the club’s five-piece musical group, which per- formed on the North Shore. “Tr was lots of fun — we even enjoyed our practice sessions,” smiles Marcia. She was president of the North Vancouver Memorial Senior Citizen’s Chub for four to five years, as well as the bookkeeper. “How North Van has changed,” exclaims Marcia. “T remember when Canadian back bacon was 17 cents per pound.” One could, recalls Marcia, walk down Lonsdale and know everyone you met. Meeting a friend at a coffee shop or for lunch was a happy and common occasion. There were only five doctors here. She still likes living in North Vancouver because of the convenience for shop- ping, medical appointments, the business section, ferries, and the hospital. Marcia was involved in a vehicle accident a few years ago. She was walking on the sidewalk when a run-away car jumped the curb and threw her in the air. She suffered back and arm injuries, but says she is OK now. Only recently has she given up golf and lawn bow!- ing. She remains a volunteer with the Telefriends program of Seniors’ Hub and usually attends the Hub’s Coffee and Chat group every Monday morning at the Lions Gate Hospital. She keeps in close touch with her son, Ron, now pres- ident of N.S. Plumbing & Heating, and her daughter, POWER OF ATTORNEY? if you are facing this issue end are looking for an interim alternative solution, ElderCare professional assistance may be an answer. To learn more about ElderCare ssional Services, contact R.A. Witzel, ca. #3 Montizambert Wynd, West Vancouver, BC Tel: (604)921-4046 © Fax: (604)921-4048 Caring you can count on. Our complete family support service can provide any level or range of care for your loved one Personal support, homemaking or nursing services. Es wecare’ 980-6350 102 - 145 West 15th St, North Vancouver Where peace of mind bas a home address" r this bookkeeper Dot, who works in Westview and, of course, her five grandchildren. “T have met a lot of won- dertul people in my lifetime,” says Marcia. Her many friends, her community, and many within the North Shore business circle will agree that Marcia is, indeed, one of those wonderful peo- ple. Vikki Finkbeiner is a North Vancouver writer. If you know of somcone who might make an interesting profile, send your idea to Vikki t/o North Shore News. antibiotics anticonvulsant medication may interfere with the efficacy of birth controt pills. Some penicillins and sulfa drugs can cause this problem. It is best to use an alternative method of contraception in addition to the pill during the cycle you are using these drugs. our pharmacists will fet you know when this could be a concern, Our pharmacists role is giving you ptaper advice on the use of medications. Let us fill your next prescription. Free Parkin Free Delivery for Pharmacy Prescriptions DAVIES PHARMACY — 1401 Sr. Georges 985-8771 OF at the very least, the weekend! YOUR GARAGE SALE KIT INCLUDES: 4) Locator Signs 2) Balloons 3) Tips on how to have a successful garage sale - ALL FOR ONLY ONLY $26.75 for a 3 line minimum (1 day). Extra lines only $5.75 RAINY DAY GUARANTEE. for 2nd insertion in the same week or if it’s rained out. LOCATOR MAP. Friday is the best day to advertise because we have the locator Map as the Garage Sale Banner. Advertising is available on other days, but we recommend the Friday issue because of its popularity and the Locator Map.