Arlene Andrews was born Sept. 11, 1933, in Davidson, Sask., and passed away suddenly on Feb. 20, 2011. Beloved wife of Gerry Andrews, she will be forever loved and deeply missed by her son Hugh (Wendy), granddaughters Holly and Piper, sisters Glennys Prusak and Lavonne (Lloyd) Heck, sister-in-law Vera Eddie and 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, Ont., 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, B.C., 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 granddaughter 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 granddaughter Piper. Arlene couldn’t have been more proud of her son and grandchildren as she attended every party, school concert, dance recital and horse show with a smile and praise, no matter the weather.
A celebration of Arlene’s life was held at St. Stephen’s United Church in Qualicum Beach, on Friday, Feb. 25, 2011.
