Tribute

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.