Audrey Isobel Karjala
January 22, 1920 – May 13, 2016
We are sad to announce that on Friday, May 13th, 2016, Mom passed away peacefully at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Mom was born in Prince Rupert BC on January 22, 1920 to Ernest and Ellen Walduck. Her father worked for the railroad and soon the family moved to Regina SK and then later, Thunder Bay ON. Mom took nurses training at St. Joseph’s in Thunder Bay and graduated with her RN in 1941.
In 1943 she married V.W. (Bill) Karjala and they lived in Victoria BC for a short while until Dad was discharged from the Air Force and they returned to Ontario. Dad worked at the pulp mill in Red Rock and in 1950 Dad started his 32 year career with MacMillan Bloedel when our family moved to Nanaimo BC. In the 1960’s they designed and built a “camp” on Protection Island – a place mom always called “her island”. In 1968 they moved to Powel River. A few years later, Mom and Dad returned to Nanaimo where they retired in 1982.
Our Mom’s pride and joy were her family, her home and garden. Mom was a great cook and she always had a place at her table for everyone.
Mom loved to play bridge! Morning, noon and night. Mom was a superlative crafts person. Her sewing, needlework, knitting and crocheting is treasured by all her knew her.
Mom was predeceased by her husband Bill, her sister Thelma Bendall and daughter-in-law Judy Karjala. She is survived by her sister Jean Salmon, brothers Ken and Don Walduck (Dorothy), her son Ernie (Lianne), her daughter Laurel (David), 5 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Mom had her feisty side and it was often her way or the highway. Still, we all loved her and we will miss her dearly.
Thank you to everyone who cared for Mom at Berwick, and to the doctors, nurses and care aides on the transitions unit and 6th floor of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Audrey’s memory to Vancouver Children’s Hospital.
There will be a Celebration of Life, May 24, 2016 at 1:00 pm at the Nanaimo Golf Club, 2800 Highland Blvd, Nanaimo, BC V9S 3N8.