Staples
Winifred Kathleen “Winnie” (nee Hunter)
June 7, 1919 - September 12, 2009
Surrounded by family, friends and the compassionate staff of the Comox Valley Senior’s Centre, Winifred Kathleen Staples passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, September 12, 2009. She is survived by her husband RCAF WO2 (ret.) Clifford Staples, sons Terry of Victoria, B.C., Gordon (Heather) of Delta, B.C., and Barry (Sandy) of Courtenay, B.C. Winnie was blessed with seven grandchildren, Chase, Ben (Alissa), Kelsey, Garrett, Mark, Courtney, and Richard, and three great-grandchildren, Keenan, Sophie and Logan. In addition, Winnie is survived by many nieces, nephews and in-laws in Nova Scotia and Ontario. She was predeceased by her parents and three siblings Walter, Dorothy and Robert.
Winnie was born in Windsor, Nova Scotia on June 7, 1919. After completing High School, Winnie attended the Maritime Business College, and worked briefly in Nova Scotia where she met Clifford Staples. Winnie and Clifford were married in Nova Scotia on August 6, 1941, but as the wife of an RCAF officer, she soon left Nova Scotia and moved to many locations across Canada, including three years in Whitehorse and four years in Germany. It was during the postings in Whitehorse and Germany that Winnie fostered some of her deepest and longest friendships.
Winnie moved to the Comox Valley in 1965. Since the age of four, Winnie had always wanted to be a nurse, so in 1967 she applied and was accepted into the nursing program at Malaspina College in Nanaimo. After completing the nursing program, she worked at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox until she retired. There were no doubt many patients at St. Joseph’s who were eased through difficult times by Winnie’s compassion, warm heart, love of people, and most importantly, her sense of humour.
After retiring, Winnie was active in the community. Most notably, she was a member of the Canadian Daughter’s League, serving in many roles, including President, and later as a volunteer peer counselor at a senior’s centre.
Winnie was a gracious and stylish wife, mother, friend, and lady, blessed with warmheartedness, and the wit and humour of the Maritimes. She saw only the best in people, and was the first to offer a kind word or a simple smile and hello to everyone.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in Winnie’s memory to the Canadian Daughter’s League Bursary Fund, c/o 2986 Back Road, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 9G9 would be appreciated. A service will be held at Piercy’s Funeral Home on Thursday September 17th at 2:00 pm.