It is with great sadness the family of Ina Mae Spurn of Nakusp B.C. announce her passing on January 23, 2012 in Duncan, B.C. She was surrounded by her loved ones on this fateful day, her husband John, mother Grace and step-father Hank Obester at her side. Ina’s medical history indicated a heart problem. She was 74 at her passing.
Ina will always be remembered lovingly by her husband John of 52 years, her five children, Christine (Frank) Allen Brule, AB, John Jr. Jasper, AB, Craig (Rona) Calgary AB, Wendy (Jeff) Utke Orlando, FL, and Angela Edmonton, AB. Ina is survived by her mother Grace (Hank) Obester Duncan, BC, brothers Orv (Pat) Cotts Dunnville, Ont, Winston (Georgia) Cotts, Watrous, Sask, and sister Jane (Doug) Johnston, Duncan, BC.
She was predeceased by her father Robert Cotts.
Ina will also be fondly remembered by her 13 grandchildren, Lonn, Darcy, Patricia, Desi, Bryce, Rochelle, Michella, Jacob, Haven, Jewel, Luke, Audrey and Sophie. Ina also leaves behind fond memories for her brother-in-laws Robert (Lenore) Spurn, Lionel (Kathy) Daneault, step sister-in-law Virginia (Stan) Sherwood, step brother-in-law Wes Hrenchuk. Ina will also be fondly remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends. Ina will always be remembered for her lovely smile and kind mannerisms - she was truly a person that will be missed by all who were touched by her kindness. The world is a sadder place today for her departure.
Ina’s early day’s and birthplace was Saskatoon, her family moved to BC’s lower mainland in the late forties. She graduated from North Surrey High School and pursued a career in Psychiatric Nursing although she had to opt out of the program for health reasons. Ina worked at several jobs first at the Vancouver Sun and then for two doctors in New Westminster. In 1959 she met John they seemed to have been made for each other asthey’ve been together ever since. Ina was an extremely hard worker who didn’t know the meaning of quit. These are just some of the jobs she did; Doctor’s office nurse, bookeeper, egg candler, tree planter, cone picker, construction worker, and a Real Estate Board Secretary. But the biggest and most cherished job of all was being a mother and homemaker which she excelled at with much vigour and passion. Ina was the backbone of the family farm operation we had during our days in Terrace, BC and probably the only farm manager who was friends with every animal they ever had - especially Hazel Mae, her beloved milk cow.
These are just some of Ina’s favourite things she liked to do; cooking, reading not just novels but recipe books, gardening, canning, wine making, tole painting, all manners of crafts but especially crochetting. She was an avid Canucks and BC Lions fan. Ina loved to travel having the pleasure to visit Europe, Mexico, the US, ship cruises, the far north and one of her favourites, her great Cross Canada Adventure - Nakusp to Newfoundland and all points in between.
Ina was active in many clubs and organizations; Girl Guides, Peaks Gymnastics Club, Hinton Quilting Club, Nakusp Senior’s Club and Arrow Lakes Hospital Auxiliary.
The family is respecting Ina’s wishes there will be no funeral service but a gathering of her family, friends and many aquaintainces is planned (TBA) one for Nakusp and one at Duncan, BC. Memorial donations in memory of Ina may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Ina will always be remembered in many ways these are just a few; generous, witty, clever, pragmatic, charming, cheerful, loving, patient, strong and determined.