“Because of your smile you make life more beautiful.”
~ Thich Nhat Hanh
With deep sadness our family announces the death of Anita at Vancouver General Hospital. She passed peacefully in the loving presence of her family and will be deeply missed.
Anita is pre-deceased by: her husband Harry, her parents Fred and Elsie Nelson, her sister Rosemary and her grandson Stewart.
She is survived by her daughters: Niedy (Aaron and great grandson Aiden), Linda and Wayne (Michael & Stephen), Donna (Hunter), Susan and Jerry (Taylor, Courtney & Megan and great grandson Quinton), her son Stewart and Deborah (Martin and Randi-Leigh & Nick and great grandson Dominick) and her brother Jim and Irene Nelson (James & Irma and Diana).
Anita was born in Everett, Washington, raised in Vancouver and moved to Prince George with the family in 1958. It was there she began her career with children as a kindergarten teacher and returned to college to gain her early childhood education certificate. Following a family move to Kamloops she opened a day care centre and subsequently served as a Kamloops school trustee for four years. She also became known for her beautiful egg work, a hobby turned business.
She and Harry retired to Sorrento and were amongst the founding members of the Sorrento OAPO and served as council members together. Transcending the generations Anita also went on to help found the Sorrento Pre- School located in the Seniors Centre. Their life in Sorrento was made all the richer in the company of dear friends.
In 2001, shortly after the death of her husband she returned to Vancouver and continued her community involvement, her egg work and activities with new friends and family.
Anita’s love of life was a gift that infused her family, her work with children, and everyone whose life she touched.
The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists and pastoral care on Ward 10C/D, Centennial Pavilion for their wonderful sense of compassion combined with their skillful professionalism. You gave our hearts and souls freedom to be fully present with her.
A memorial service will be held in her honour at St. Mary’s Anglican/United Church, 1144 Trans- Canada Highway, Sorrento, BC, July 14, Saturday, at 4:00 PM. A reception at the church will follow the service and all are welcome.
Flowers can be delivered to the church or donations may be made to the Sorrento Pre-School or to a charity of your choice.