
It is with great sadness we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of our wonderful daughter, Britney Adell Dea on August 16th, 2025. As a family, we are heart broken. Britney was excited about the future with so many positive things going on. She was attending school to become a nutritionist. She loved sharing the learned knowledge with everyone and was crushing it in school.
She was the sunshine, full of life, radiating positive energy and good juju (with the help of her crystals), she had a huge heart and always wanted people around her to be happy. Britney was a very special mother, sister, friend and beautiful daughter. Britney was born in Smithers, BC on Tuesday June 28th, 1985 to Lorelee and Doug Witala.
Growing up in Smithers, Britney ‘s energy was an excellent fit for the small Northern town. Tobogganing, figure skating, baseball and lots of camping. As a young adult, Britney found Smithers was getting too small. A move to Kamloops then Maple Ridge was in order. The Lower Mainland offered the space and activities that Britney desired. Britney was blessed with an early pregnancy and Cameron was born on May 22, 2004 and adopted by Rick and Pauline. Several years later Britney met Rob and they were married July 30, 2011. Three beautiful children followed, Amelia, Violet and Jack. All four children were the love of Britney’s life and the center of her universe. Their home in Maple Ridge was very busy with the house humming with many friends and scheduled and impromptu activities.
Britney loved social events and traveling. She enjoyed many family trips throughout BC, Alberta, Mexico and one special family trip to Europe.
Britney is survived by Cameron, her husband Rob, children Amelia, Violet and Jack. Her brother Spencer (Kalene), nephews Casey and River, her sister Haley (Carter), Sister-in-law Heather, Jaime (Terry) niece Kali, nephew Tatum, brother-in-law David nephew Aian, father-in-law Howard (Gloria), mother-in-law Lynda, parents Lorelee and Doug. Britney is also survived by many Aunts, Uncles and cousins.
Britney was pre-deceased by her cousin Scot, grandparents Roy and Merle (Dick), Jonina and Lenord.
Britney touched everyone she met, her spirit and joy will be with all of us, forever. Bless you.
There will be a Celebration of Life for Britney held Saturday August 30, 2025 at 1:30pm at the Maple Ridge Funeral Chapel, 11969 216th Street, Maple Ridge, BC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Vancouver Covenant House.
August 30th, 2025
Britney, I know the love of adventure you had in life will keep you safe on your travels as you take your place among the stars and those of us that stay here will get to remember and miss you. X
August 29th, 2025
Dear Britney,
You really did leave a beautiful, positive impact on this world. Your life inspires me to be more kind, more generous, more curious and more confident. I only wish I could have gotten to know you better. You and I had a few conversations about health, wellness and fitness and I got to attend one of the birthday parties you threw for your kids that Gordy performed at. It was so fun. You were so fun! And I just watched the two podcasts that your friend shared, both of which were awesome! I’m listening to Castella while I write this, and thinking of you. I’ll listen to her often and she’ll always remind me of you. The interview about Dr. David Clarke has me very intrigued as both my son and I have dealt with just that kind of pain. Thank you for putting that out in the world just before you left us. It is such important work and I can’t wait to delve in. I wish I’d known you more in depth but I can say I’ll always remember your beautiful soul. You come from such love. Your mom and dad are some of my most favourite people and I just know that generational love will grow far and wide in your children, and their children, as you watch and guide from your peaceful place in heaven. Much love, “Auntie” Donna May
August 28th, 2025
Britney, Our special daughter in law
How I remember when you came into our lives, as my son Rob's wife, you two created a wonderful family, 3 fantastic grandchildren for myself, Gloria and Lynda !! You had an infectious smile, a loving heart, and a positive attitude!! You will shine in the faces of your children, and I know you will be watching over them, from your place in Heaven!!!
When we all celebrated Jack's Birthday dinner , it was exciting just to be there with you and the whole family, enjoying each others company!!. You were so happy and excited that evening!! Only a few days later you were gone !!! Stunned, saddened, upset, are only a few of the words to describe our feelings at your loss!!
Be at peace, Brit, know that Gloria, Lynda and I along with Doug and Lorelee, will be there for Rob and the kids, whenever and whatever the need!!
We all Loved you Brit, and your loss is tragic and heartbreaking for all of us .
August 27th, 2025
IF YOU WERE LUCKY ENOUGH TO WALK INTO THE ROOM AND CAUGHT THAT INFECTIOUS SMILE LOOKING BACK AT YOU;
YOU FELT THE LOVE AND COMPASSION OF DEAR BRITNEY IN THE ROOM SHINNING THROUGH;
BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER,SISTER,WIFE, NEICE COUSIN AND AN AMAZING MOTHER;
THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMAN WAS TRULY LIKE NO OTHER;
MEMORIES FROM OUR FAMILY REUNION ARE STILL ETCHED IN OUR MIND;
WE HOLD A SHARP REMINDER ON HOW WE DEFINE THE WORD KIND.
R.I.P. BEAUTIFUL NEICE
August 27th, 2025
Words can’t express how greatly you will be missed, the 30 years of friendship we have had doesn’t seem long enough. You are a beautiful soul, a loving mother and friend, you always saw the good in everyone and loved so hard. Your free spirit and open heart will never be forgotten… love you more than words can say my beautiful friend.
August 27th, 2025
My heart broke the day I received the call that you had left us in the 3D. That call was one I never expected to recieive and shook me to my core.
I love you so Brit and was so proud of your zest for life and the family you created.
You lived boldly and loved deeply. Always a smile and kind words.
Your spirit will shine for us all.
Till we meet again.
Love, Auntie Gayle
August 27th, 2025
Brit and I have been good friends since Amelia was a baby, our kids have grown up together. Many birthday parties and family events spent together.
She was always so vibrant and full of life. I always told her she was wild, to never loose that part of her. I loved hearing of her adventures, whether it was travel or something new she was wanting to get in to. She was the most fiercely loyal and supportive friend. Pushing me to start out on my own and being my first ever client for my cleaning business. She was always cheering in my corner, supporting me for many years.
I am so thankful to have met her and be able to call her a friend and part of my family. From concerts at the Blue frog and oysters at the boathouse to Whistler with our kids or just seeing her in the mornings catching up on life with her. I will cherish these memories with her forever and will miss her terribly. Love you my beautiful friend 💔
August 27th, 2025
Oh Brit…words not spoken, hugs not given!❤️ we all wish we could still have this time with you. Know that you will always remain a beautiful memory for all of us! It was so great you and your family made it home a few yrs back to celebrate Mar & Tom’s wedding , it meant so much to them! Only wish we would have more time with u then & now forever! I really hope you are wrapped in the arms of loved ones gone before you!❤️💔
August 27th, 2025
Britney my niece how we will miss you I still love the times we had when I babysat you for two years just a small little one we would put on dire straits cd walk of life and dance it was so much fun having you around love you rest in piece love auntie Karen
August 27th, 2025
Long time family friend
Oh Britany, your beautiful smile is just stunning. You’ve always been so captivating. I loved you from the first time I held you in my arms. Your Mom and I were best friends from middle school on and we shared our lives deeply. She showed you off proudly for the first time when she and I were having tea in your old house in Smithers. Such a beautiful house and yard for a child to grow up in. You were the first of three gems that created a special family. Always an amazing big sister. You worked for Stan and I in our Smithers daycare centre. We enjoyed watching you grow into the woman you became. What a wonderful Mom. You doted on your husband and children always. I will miss and love you for my lifetime. Forever young.
August 26th, 2025
Our darling daughter, Britney, oh how we miss you already. You were the light in our lives. I’ll never forget how if I mentioned something/anything I wanted to do in the future…you’d always say…Let’s do it Mom…book it! Dad often told me to be careful what I said to you, unless I was serious about what I wanted to do. You were our dream maker.
You brought so much joy to our lives with your four darling children.
We will miss your calls from when you were excited, sad or had a hilarious story to share. There was always something going on in your life that you wanted to share with us and we were always so grateful.
We’re thankful we had 40 years and 49 days with you…it wasn’t near long enough…we wanted you in our lives for the rest of our lives.
Lots of love to you honey!
Mom and Dad
August 26th, 2025
Britney…
My beautiful friend. No one shines quite like you.
The past 11 years of friendship were such a gift. It is rare to find someone in your adult life who you just connect with on so many levels. I will cherish our memories for the rest of my life.
From the day I met you, when you were selling leggings, we clicked. We had so much to talk about and that landed you in my chair as a client.
What an honour it was to do your hair for so many years. The amount of special moments I got to be part of will warm my heart forever.
We had so many laughs together, which got our friendship out of the salon and into many concerts, dinners out, movies, birthday parties, adventures, late night pj hangs on the couch, coffee dates, pedicures, shopping, pool days and even a weekend in Whistler.
I am devastated that you are gone.
I am greatful for the time we had together, I will cherish our friendship for ever.
What an honour it was to be your friend for 11 years.
I will never forget you. XOXO
August 24th, 2025
I am writing this as someone who became friends with Britney over the past six months. It wasn't long before I concluded she was the nicest person on the planet. And I told her exactly that. Her incredible positivity, sense of humor and intelligence made an enormous impact on me. As did her ability to focus, study and conduct immaculate research, leading me to offer her work as one of our podcast hosts. She did not disappoint. And, in typical Britney fashion, she expressed confidence that she could be "better than those people on the TV news." The podcasts were just one of many ventures sitting on her entrepreneurial plate, some of which we were planning together. My sincere condolences to all of the family. I remain in a state of shock. But I know this amazing, special woman with a free spirit, killer smile and unmatched kindness is now looking down, urging everyone to be strong and happy. For me, grief will give way to profound gratitude for just having known her. I learned much from her, especially the importance of staying positive, even in challenging times. Thank you Britney for being such a bright light, one which will continue to shine forever.
Britney's podcast interviews:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gA-nE0U4hMg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZwi_f2OKsU
August 24th, 2025
Forever Grateful Forever in our hearts 💞 Rip dear Britney..
August 23rd, 2025
Britney I love you so much. You are the friend I always called when I got bad news. Now you’re gone and my heart is broken. I’m so grateful for your friendship and I’ll miss you every day. Thank you for being so brave and strong and amazing and beautiful and kind and generous. All the best things.
August 23rd, 2025
Oh my sister. I know you know how much I love you but I’ll tell you everyday for the next 60 years.
So many great memories. Living in the old house and jumping from the great height of 4 steps into the bean bag chair. It felt huge but going back in to look at the steps years later we realized that it wasn’t that big, we were tiny.
Growing up and I idolised you. How could I not? You were always so confident, strong and not afraid to say no. I remember when you’d occasionally let me into your room and I’d get to watch a movie with you. I loved it. Running around the house playing kick the can, laser tag and squirt gun fights. Mindy always following us around.
I remember when you gave me this scarf in this picture. I just came back from being away for over 2 years in Australia. You had Jack while I was away. You had 2 scarves, and really liked the one that I liked. You were such a good big sister you gave it to me anyway. Because you loved me and missed me while I was away.
I wish I could write down all of the amazing memories I have with you. I miss you every day. I love you so much. My heart is broken.
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