Born September 11, 1933 in Davidson, Saskatchewan Passed away suddenly on February 20, 2011
Beloved wife of Gerry Andrews, she will be forever loved and deeply missed by her son Hugh (Wendy), grand-daughters, Holly and Piper, sisters Glennis Prusak and Lavonne (Lloyd) Heck, many nieces, nephews, cousins, many great friends and her little dog Tinker.
She was predeceased by her parents Hugh and Helen, sister Lucille (Jack) Ames and brother Gordon Eddie, nieces Sharlene Lyke, Michelle Heck, and Vanessa Eddie.
Arlene spent her early working career with the Weyburn school board and CN Rail. She was an avid figure skater and taught many children to skate. In 1957 she married Gerry, and their son Hugh followed in 1961. She accepted a transfer with CN Rail to Port Arthur, Ontario in 1964 where she worked until the completion of Doug and Gerry’s Bus Depot the following year. Arlene worked there as a ticket agent and bookkeeper while raising Hugh. She and Gerry retired to White Rock, BC in 1984 where she took up a new career as a volunteer with the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary.
Arlene was very pleased to welcome her first grand-daughter Holly in 1996. A diagnosis of breast cancer in 1999 didn’t stop her for a minute, after recovering from treatments she and Gerry moved to Qualicum Beach in 2002 to be closer to her family. True to form Arlene quickly made many good friends and once again took up volunteer work. She volunteered as an emergency aid facilitator for the Canadian Cancer Society, donated her time to St. Stephen’s United Church hot lunch program and many other worthy causes. 2004 brought Arlene’s second grand-daughter Piper. Arlene couldn’t have been more proud of her son and grandchildren she attended every party, school concert, dance recital and horse show with a smile and praise no matter the weather.
A celebration of life will be held at St. Stephen’s United Church in Qualicum Beach, Friday the 25th of February at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the local Cancer Society, 172 Second Ave. W. Qualicum Beach V9K 2S5 or the local branch of the SPCA, P.O. Box 1407. Parksville, BC V9P 2H3.