It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Nellie Ingram Dunlop on October 12, 2006. Sadly missed, forever remembered by her loving daughters, Sharon (Don) Warren of Three Rivers, California and Carol (Ken) Paley of Quesnel, BC; seven grandchildren Kevin, Karen Steven, Brian, Sharon (Mark), Jennifer (Jon) and Aaron; seven great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Jeannie Rogers and god-daughter April West. Nellie was pre-deceased by her husband Tom, daughter Barbara, son Jim and brother Norman Rogers.
Nellie was born February 11, 1920, the last baby born at the Phoenix, BC hospital, to George and Nellie Rogers, and sadly her mother was the last person to pass away in this hospital when Nellie was only 8 days old. Nellie and her 2 year old brother, Norman, went to live with their maternal grandparents. Although unable to raise his children, their father remained an important part of their lives. Nellie and Norman grew up in North Vancouver and their father lived in Barkerville.
Nellie had a passion for music, she took lessons on the guitar, the piano and the accordion in her youth, but it was the accordion that was her favourite. She entered every talent contest she could, sometimes winning prizes like a 5-pound pail of lard or a pair of nylons. But she had fun and that was the most important thing for her. After the passing of her grandparents, she traveled with a dance band throughout BC and played at many dances.
Nellie was a nurturing person and, while still in her teens, she cared for her grandparents in their last years. After she married Tom in July 1941 she cared for and raised their children and then was once again the caregiver for another 22 years for Tom after he suffered a stroke in 1978. She did not do this out of duty; she did it out of love. She put the same care into her friendships and her flower gardens. Nellie grew the most amazing African violets and gloxinias.
Nellie loved to travel and she and Tom spent many winters in Arizona. A few even after Tom had a stroke. When it became difficult to manage going to Arizona they went to stay with their daughter Sharon in California and Nellie would travel while Sharon cared for her dad. Nellie had some wonderful trips to Hawaii, Florida, Australia and New Zealand accompanied by her friend Tyra.
Nellie was an independent person and lived on her own after Tom passed away in October 2000. She had her little dog, Sandy, to keep her company but she always said she had so many friends that she didn’t have time to be lonely. She loved to play cards at the Senior’s Centre or at the home of her friends.
Nellie passed away at home with her daughters by her side following a short, courageous battle with cancer. For those who knew our mom, you know she never did anything slowly. She liked fast cars, lively music and she lived her life and passed away the same way...without wasting any time.
The family would like to thank her many friends for their condolences, all those who sent flowers, food and/or made donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in Nellie’s memory. You are all truly wonderful. Thank-you to the Legion Ladies for the reception tea and to the staff at Clayton’s Funeral Chapel for all their kindnesses. A special thanks to Rev. Teri Meyer for her comforting words, to Laurie Lawlor from Home Care Nursing for being there for all of us and to Charlotte...the video was wonderful.
Thank-you all.