Hermie passed away April 5th, 2017 while in Oceanview.
Mom was quite a woman. So was true to her nature. She was furiously loyal to her friends and followed my father unfailing into many of his endeavors. She did not mind getting her hands dirty along side of him.
Predeceased by her parents Rose and Omar Tapiau, step father Webb Blue and her husband Skip. She is survived by her four children; Maurice (Karen) of Spruce Grove, Alta., Karla of Courtenay, Lionel (Brenda) of Chestermere Lake, Alta., and Grant of Silvan Lake, Alta. Her grandchildren Nina (Blaine), Aaron, Sue (Mike), Pamela (Robert), Ryan (Colleen), and Christopher; great grandchildren Madelyn, Callie, Tristan, Cambria, Karis, Tavin and the triplets Reesa, Prentiss and Scarlett, her brother Eugene and sister Marcelle. Hermie made many friends and acquaintances in the Valley who she both relished and respected.
Hermie was born on June 21, 1927 in Margo, Sask. The oldest of three children, she met and married her husband Skip in Sask. and had their four children there. They moved to Courtenay in July 1970 where she started involving herself in the community. She started by teaching St. John Ambulance first aid to all in the valley. There were not many areas within the community that she did not involved herself with. Serving on the Child Development Society and worked for many years fundraising for the telethon. Along with Skip worked with COPS. Served as a member of July 1st committee taking many pictures of all the happening at July 1st events. Was a member of both the Royal Purple and Eagles. She was a devoted Catholic. She received the highest honor a community can bestow on their people and that was Freeman of the City of Courtenay, in 2004.
The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to all who helped mom through her rough time. Special thanks go out to my guardian angel Joan who without her I would not have survived the last 5 years and for always being there for me. Dr. McFadden, then Dr. Hunter once she went into complex care, for all their compassion and knowledge. We are so lucky to have both of these doctors in our community. Home support for trying to keep her in her home as long as we could. The great and caring nurses, aides, volunteers, and maintenance at Ocean view, whose compassion was endless. Mom is back with Dad and all her friends who she has missed enormously. God speed to you Mom, you will be profoundly missed by your family and friends. You can now rest in peace.
Interment will take place after the funeral services held at Christ the King Catholic Church on Friday, April 21, 2017 at 11:00 am with Father Marek Paczka officiating. Reception after the mass will be held in the church hall.