Signy Elin Gauer (aka Signy Parkin), 67, of Nanaimo, BC, died peacefully at 6:45 a.m. on Friday October 11, 2013 at the Palliative Care Unit of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born October 3, 1946 in Fort William, Ontario to Thora and Frederick Gauer.
Signy is survived by her brother, Paul, of Thunder Bay, Ontario; her daughters: Cynthia (Jonathan) Hinkle of Yorba Linda, California, Suzanne (Jason) Prenovost of Seattle, Washington, and Katherine (David) Wirth of Dallas, Texas; and six grandchildren: Hanna and Haley Hinkle, Zachery, Conner and Nathan Prenovost, and Brooklynn Wirth. Signy is preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Lenore Gauer of Thunder Bay, Ontario and Margaret Baluik of Cumberland, Rhode Island.
Signy was a long time resident of Nanaimo, where she lived since leaving her childhood home of Thunder Bay, Ontario at the age of 29. She was a much loved member of the South End Community Association, St. Andrews United Church, Nanaimo Native Chapel, as well as the Western Canada Wilderness Committee. She consistently volunteered in her community and always gave unselfishly of herself.
Signy was a hard working volunteer “paper girl” and tireless collector of signatures on many campaigns for the South End Community Association - from protecting the Great Bear Rainforest, to making our electoral system more democratic. She would also be seen ringing the bells for the Salvation Army every year at Christmas. She loved animals, especially her cats, Rusty and Abby. Signy was well known throughout Nanaimo. Her family and friends will greatly miss her. She will be loved and remembered.
A small gathering of friends will be held, for Signy, on Sunday, October 27 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews United Church, 311 Fitzwilliam St. Nanaimo. An informal service will be held at Signy’s Memorial Site, Cedar Valley, at a future date (to be determined). In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Andrews United Church, Nanaimo, or The Western Canada Wilderness Committee.