Pay it forward: Penticton daughter passes on mother’s kindness and sparks a chain reaction

PENTICTON – A Penticton woman who was mourning the loss of her mother has found a unique way to keep her spirit alive.

Six years ago, on June 20,  Kristin Maier's mother, Kathy, died after a nine month battle with cancer.

“It was a horrible day, June 20, 2013. Every year since then I think, what can I plan to do something, to be busy in my mind,” Maier said.

The family got together and talked about it, and each year have done something different to remember Kathy.

“My mom was a really charitable person, she was involved in the community, loved gardening,” Maier said.

One year the family handed out flowers at the market. Another year they left Kathy's books at various locations throughout the city with a note inside and a request to pass it on.

“Another year, we did cupcakes because she loved baking. We also took flowers and lottery tickets to receptionists in the city, because my mom was a secretary and receptionist,” Maier said.

This year, the family decided to head to Tim Hortons.

The family gave out free coffee and a message that said;  "On June 20, 2013, our Nana lost her nine-month battle with lung cancer. We miss her very much. Our Nana was a very special lady. She was a devoted mother, and a loving wife. It is VERY important to us that out Nana’s name and her generous spirit are remembered…”

They put the message with 50 coffees, Maier said, so people would know and pay it forward.  

“I cannot believe the outpouring of people I’ve heard from, even a lady at Tim Horton’s messaged me to say 'thanks for making our day.' It’s been crazy,” she said.

Darryl-Jean Cerenzie was one recipient of the Maier’s gesture, posting a copy of the message on social media yesterday, June 20.

“It was so neat, I wasn’t expecting it. I just lost my uncle to cancer, so it really hit home. I shared it to let them know their Nana is remembered. I wanted to make it big, and for people to recognize it,” Cerenzie said.

Cerenzie was driving to Kelowna yesterday and paid it forward with another stop at Tim Hortons in Kelowna.

“I bought a gift card and a copy of the message and asked them to use it on the next customers using the drive-thru,” she said.

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