Mar 9, 2018
Gertrude (Gertie) Angeleen Magnusson - Passed away peacefully, in her sleep, in her 87th year, early on March 9th, 2018.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband Elwyn, her son Oli and grandson Eric Whetham.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Vivian (Rick), son Ron (Loreli) and daughter-in-law Sue; grandchildren Jenni, Greg, Joy, Jeff (Helene), Krista and Kari (Eric); great-grandchildren Haley (Gage), James (Kassidy), Leo, Cole, Max and Aria; great-great-grandchild Olivia; and her companion of many years Jack Stewart.
Gertie was born in August 1931 and raised in Leslie, Saskatchewan. She met Elwyn, the first love of her life, at a dance when she was still quite a young lady. After marrying in 1948, Gertie and Elwyn moved slowly towards the coast and by the time they arrived in the Chilliwack area in 1956 they were a family of five. Living first at Cultus Lake, Gertie and family eventually moved to a farm in Vedder Crossing in 1959 and then to a house in town in 1966.
In addition to caring for her family, Gertie worked outside the home too. She worked at numerous jobs (Pavilion snack bar at Cultus Lake, York Farms, Fraser Vale) before starting work at Palm Draperies in the early 1960's. She started there as a seamstress but, over the years, worked her way into sales and, eventually, to Store Manager. She took great pride in her work and many people remembered her as the very helpful, knowledgeable person that was instrumental in them selecting just the right drapes and carpets for their new homes.
It's been said that there's nothing like a mother's love. Well, Mum was the embodiment of a loving mother (sister, aunt and friend). She was always there to listen and willing to provide advice or encouragement as needed. This was usually done with a cup of coffee, a bowl of ice cream, cookies, a snack or any combination of those things. She loved her family and friends unconditionally and taught all her children to do the same. She raised her children (and helped raise our children) to be just as caring, compassionate and independent as she was and no matter how old we get, we'll always be her "babies" and are comforted in knowing that she'll continue to watch over us every day.
As per her request, no formal service is planned. Her ashes will be interred in the family plot and family and friends will gather for a celebration of her life at 3 PM, March 31st, at the Club House at Bridal Falls RV and Cottages Park.