Nellie Hunter, December 29, 1920 – January 27, 2011
After a long and very well lived life Nellie Hunter passed away peacefully on January 27, 2011 in her 90th year. She was predeceased by her husband Gordon (Dint) and brothers, Geno, Aldo and Leo Bortolussi. Nellie is survived by her son Wayne (Deb Whitten), granddaughter Madison, daughter Laura (John) Douthwaite, sister Leah Merrell and many nieces and nephews. Mom spent 85 of her 90 years in Powell River living on one side of King Avenue for her childhood and early married life and moving across the street to her new home for the next 58 years. As a child and adolescent, she faced and overcame many challenges. Fortunately she had the joy and freedom of growing up in Wildwood where she made and kept lifelong friendships. Mom met the love of her life, Dint, when he coached her softball team. Their courting days were spent at Willingdon Beach and dancing at the Dwight Hall. Mom and Dad were married October 11, 1941 in North Vancouver and after accompanying Dad to St. Thomas, Ontario for RCAF training mom returned to Powell River to await his discharge. One of mom’s singular talents was her love of learning. She was always interested in everything and worked to master many skills and talents. As a young mother she helped interpret for Italian mothers new to Canada at the Public Health Clinics in Wildwood. She also volunteered at the Wildwood Public Library. Her hobbies included playing scrabble, lawn bowling, knitting, embroidery, sewing, baking, canning and of course cake decorating. Hundreds of special occasions were enhanced by the beautiful and charming cakes mom produced for many local families. Once Dad retired in 1972 many of their retirement years were spent travelling or wintering in Hemet, California enjoying the sun and good company of friends and family.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Toole for taking very good care of Mom for many years and to the staff of Powell River General Hospital and Evergreen ECU for caring for Mom in her final months. We would also like to express our thanks to our aunt, Leah, and cousin, Allison for all their support for Mom during the last several years. Finally sincere and heartfelt thanks to Jackie Bradley, a ray of sunshine in the last few months of Mom’s life. Jackie provided Mom and our family with comfort and reassurance during a sometimes difficult illness.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 6482 King Avenue from 1 – 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Helen Lyon Thoburn
Passed away surrounded by her loving family in Powell River General Hospital January 26, 2011 at age 89.
Born June 26, 1921 in Cumberland, British Columbia, Helen was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Born and raised on the West Coast of Canada, Helen spent most of her years in the Comox Valley. She married Robert and they spent many summers travelling around with their children and grandchildren in their fifth-wheel trailer. Many fond memories stem from these camping excursions. When Robert retired the couple spent many years travelling to Yuma, Arizona for the winter. The couple made the move to Powell River to be closer to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Helen was known for her love of baking which she passed down through the generations. Her recipes have a very special place in all our hearts. She was a kind, loving and gentle woman and she will be dearly missed.
Helen was pre-deceased by her husband Robert Thoburn, her parents Elizabeth and George Shearer, her sister and brother-inlaw Margaret and Joe Bartoldi and her brother William Shearer. She is survived by her devoted and loving daughters and sons-inlaw, Georgina (Fraser) Gavin, Catherine (Ken) Behan and Carol (Len) Crivea. Nannie to Ronnie, Scott (Dorothy), Kevin (Malle), Michael (Jeannie), Christopher (Robin) and Marla (John). Great Nannie to Brenden, Taydin, Alyra, Rylyn, Connor and Arwyn. Also survived by sister-in-law Nina Shearer and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Edna and Jim Raymond and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the SPCA in Powell River or a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 1 pm at Stubberfield Funeral Home, 7221 Duncan Street, Powell River, BC.
Betty Oliver, May 14, 1940 - January 25, 2011
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother Elizabeth (Betty) Oliver. She is survived by her loving husband of 42 years R.F. (Frank) Oliver, together with her loving children, their spouses, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.
We wish to thank Dr. Bruce Hobson and staff for the wonderful care given to her over the years. We would also like to thank Dr. Hoffert and staff and to the wonderful nurses and care workers who looked after Mom and us with such love, care, compassion and respect during her illness. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 5 at 1:30 pm at the United Church. Reception to follow in the Trinity Hall. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the cancer foundation of your choice, the Alzheimer Society of Canada or Powell River General Hospital.
In memory of Thelma Mutas
Please join us at the Lund Hotel dining room on Saturday, February 12 at 2 pm to share some of your memories with her family. A mass will be held on Friday, February 11 at 1 pm at the Assumption Church.