June 27 1910-May 26, 2003
Pearl was born in Rosedale, and spent her early childhood on a farm on Castleman Rd. then later the family moved to another location with acreage on Camp River Rd.
She attended Rosedale Elementary School. After completing Grade 8, she went to live with her sister Hazel (Bryce) Philip in Vancouver where she attended Britannia High School. Pearl missed the Fraser Valley and after two years returned to Rosedale and lived for periods with her brother Pat (Rose) Muirhead, and later with her sister Beatrice (Brian) Inions, helping each with housekeeping.
Pearl met her lifetime partner, Wilfred (Bill) Fetterly and they were married December 25,1927. After living at several different locations, they settled on a farm on First Ave. in May 1939, where she resided for the rest of her life.
Pearl enjoyed music - she loved to sing and dance, and was an excellent swimmer. She was a great cook - there was always room for an extra plate at meal time. Also her handiwork was admired which included knitting, quilting, sewing and crocheting. She enjoyed several nice trips with members of her family, including Nova Scotia, and PEI, Missouri, Reno, Edmonton, Alaska, Long Beach, and Hawaii.
After her family left home, Mom worked at the Chilliwack Progress in flyer distribution, also Valley Haven and later matron at Norman Manor.
Pearl was a faithful member of the Community of Christ Church her entire life. She was an outstanding example of Christ’s love to her family and friends.
Pearl is survived by four children, sons, Ron (Vilda) Fetterly and Glen (Barbara) Fetterly; daughters, Marie (Mac) Christensen and Laverne Grigg, all of Chilliwack. Nani will be lovingly remembered and missed. She had a special place in her heart for her 14 grandchildren, Lori (Dale) Wiens, Mark, Leanne, Sandra and Lisa Fetterly, Sherri (Max) Balmain, Dan (Sylvia) Fetterly, Michael (Linda) Fetterly, Allan Christensen, Colleen (Harry) Christensen, Leah (Chris) Christensen, Heather (Joe) Vurzinger, Stacy (Angela) Grigg, and Graham (Shelley) Grigg. Also 12 very special great-grandchildren, Travis and Steven Wiens, Beth Turcott, Jeremy Dumas, Olivia and Matthew Fetterly, Taylor and Renae Christensen, Cory and Shane Bury, and Kurtis and Meagan Vurzinger. Also surviving are half brother Ralph (Eva) Muirhead; half sisters, Gladys Dickie, Eileen Giles, and Betty (Gerry) Bennewith. Many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, and her church family. Also very special and dear friends, Agnes Skelton (sister-in-law) and Leta Bridge.
Pearl was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1983. Also sisters, Fredrica Muirhead, Beatrice Inions, and Hazel Philip; brothers, Ted Hamilton (Muirhead) and Pat Muirhead; father James Muirhead and mother Sarah Muirhead (Hamilton) in 1914; stepmother Lottie Muirhead (Knox); and son-in-law Dennis Grigg.
Although Mom’s eyesight dimmed in later years, her zest for life never did and she always enjoyed afternoon tea with family and friends.
Special thanks to Dr. Ken Hirst, Palliative Care NU4, Home Care nurses, and Home Support staff.
In Celebration of Pearl’s Life, a memorial service is planned for Saturday, May 31, 2003 at 2 p.m. at the Community of Christ Church, 9845 Carleton St. N., Chilliwack. Reception following.
If family or friends so desire, donations would be appreciated to World Accord, 185 Frobisher Dr., Unit 1C, Waterloo, Ont. N2V 2E6, (a non-profit development org. for Third World countries), or Palliative Care Unit NU4, Chilliwack General Hospital, 45600 Menholm Rd., Chilliwack.
Mom, there will always be a heartache,
And often a silent tear,
But always precious memories,
Of the days we had you here.
We will hold you close within our hearts,
And there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives,
Until we meet again.