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Estella Mae (nee Brankston) HARRISON

May 29, 2007

Born in Nanaimo on December 24, 1920, she brought the joy of Christmas to her family every day for the next 86 years. She was predeceased by D'Arcy, her husband of 62 years, who passed away on December 24, 2005. She was also predeceased by her parents, William and Catherine Brankston, her two brothers (John and William) and three of her four sisters (Lillian, Bette and Nancy).

Left to mourn her loss are her five loving children: Pauline Tortorelli, Norma Cannon (Brian), Sandra Berg (Loren), Maureen Sanderson (Robert) and Philip Harrison (Helen). She is also survived by fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. Her loss will be felt deeply by her younger sister, Emily Taylor of Edmonton, Alberta, and by her brother-in-law, Lloyd Brown of Nanaimo. Her absence in the Berg household will be mourned by her friend and coffee pal, Donna Berg, with whom she wiled away the hours as the two "Grandmothers-in-Residence."

Stella, who was born and raised in Nanaimo, was a member of a very prominent musical family, who provided entertainment and enjoyment through concerts and competitions held in various locations around the island and the Lower Mainland. Stella and her sisters performed for our troops during World War ll and had many warm memories of those days. Stella brought her love of music to her children and expressed her joy for life by singing every day.

Prior to her retirement, Stella was a long time employee of both Scotch Bakery and the Harewood Super Valu, where she made many friends across the counter every day. She enjoyed her work very much and often spoke of the many friendships she cultivated during her working years.

Stella was a beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her patience in teaching the little ones how to knit, how to sing, how to read, how to "plunk" on her piano has created memories for them well into adulthood. During her final illness, her hospital room was overflowed with her children and grandchildren, all of whom wanted to be with her as she went on her final journey. The love she gave them every day is reflected in their faces as they continue in life without her by their side.

A celebration of Stella's life will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. at First Memorial Funeral Services. 1720 Bowen Road, Nanaimo, following a private interment.

No flowers, by request of the family. Donations can be made in Stella's name to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

The family expresses its gratitude to the Langley Memorial Emerg. Team. To Dr. A. Astrein, Dr. I Siddiqui and the Nursing Team on Four South, our heartfelt thanks for yor dedication, patience, guidance and understanding as we moved through this difficult time. Your kindness and attention to our mother will not be forgotten.

Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Friend - forever with us in our hearts.

FIRST MEMORIAL FUNERAL SERVICES

Nanaimo, BC.

(250)754-8333



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