April 12, 2019
Mum passed away peacefully on April 12th, family by her side. She was in her 100th year. She was born in Prince Rupert, BC on June 20th, 1919 but spent her early years in Nova Scotia where her parents were born. She was a proud Acadian.
Mum was predeceased by her husband Tom (2002), son Dennis (2010), brothers Roland, Merrill and Gerald and her sister Evelyn. She is survived by her son Tom (Dianne), daughter Julie, daughter-in-law Lynda, grandchildren Michael, Tammy, Erik, Mariee and Paul as well as great grandchildren Noah, Hannah, Emma and Charlotte.
Mum and Dad spent most of their married life in Port Alberni. After Dad retired they spent 10 enjoyable years living on Denman Island before returning to Port Alberni ~1990.
Art and gardening were Mum's passions. She was a prolific artist throughout her life and was always very active in the arts community. She had exhibitions, taught classes and won many awards at juried shows. One particular honour was when one of her paintings, titled 'Steelhead' was presented to Pierre Elliott Trudeau upon his visit to Port Alberni in 1976. She also received the first 'Honour of the Arts Award' by the Port Alberni Community Arts Council in 1981. Mum's garden also showed her artistic flair, not only with its colour and composition but a good measure of chaos too. She especially loved her heritage roses and fragrant sweet peas. Mum had a special gift of making bouquets from her garden, colourful and free spirited just like her personality.
Mum had a rich and full life and even had spunk well into her 90's. Always creative, always curious, she was one of a kind. We will miss her.
The family would like to thank Dr. D. Lund, Dr. Dorothy Williams, Dr. Wendy Johnsen and the staff at Rainbow Gardens. Special thanks to Christine Rogers for being there for Mum through the years.
A family gathering will take place at a later date.
A limb has fallen from the family tree that says grieve not for me Remember the best times, the laughter, the song, The good life I lived while I was strong.
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