August 3, 1917 to October 12, 2013
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our “Mom” and “Grammie” – Audrey Anderton
Audrey was born at home in Victoria on August 3, 1917 and passed peacefully on October 12, 2013 in Courtenay. As Audrey’s father was a railwayman, she spent her formative years in Victoria, Penticton and Vancouver.
Audrey married Wilf Anderton in Vancouver in 1939. Their plan to spend the rest the rest of their lives together in Courtenay was interrupted by the Second World War. Wilf signed up for duty and the couple along with baby Greg went to live in Victoria while Wilf trained as an officer. In November 1943 Wilf was deployed to Europe and Audrey returned to Courtenay to live alone with a toddler son and newborn daughter Marjorie. She was supported not only by extended family, but also by a growing group of couple friends. After the war, Audrey and Wilf enjoyed the weekly company of these ‘’bridge and poker” friends for over 35 years. Their third child Audrey was born upon Wilf’s return from active duty.
Audrey excelled at being a homemaker. She was an outstanding mother, cook, housekeeper, money manager, seamstress, gardener, interior designer, and entertainer.
Audrey was actively involved in the community. She was closely involved with her childrens’ schools, a president of Kinettes, a member of the Courtenay Rotary Anns and the Comox Golf Club. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels and for the organization of the BC Senior Games in the Comox Valley. She always made time to keep informed on Canadian and American politics, particularly during elections.
Audrey’s grandchildren considered her to be the perfect grandmother. She was always there for them whether it was to listen to their problems or beat them at crib or her special gin rummy. Her freezer always contained their favourite cookies and their favourite foods were always readily available.
Following Wilf’s retirement, he and Audrey travelled extensively.
Audrey was predeceased by her husband of 71 years, Leo Wilfred (Wilf) Anderton, her father, Ricardo (Bud) Mellado and mother, Violet (Bentley) Mellado. She was also predeceased by brothers Mart and Bobby, sisters in law Glenna Mellado, Marjorie Mellado, Lillian Mellado, Helen (Anderton) McIntyre and brother in law Gordon McIntyre. She leaves to mourn her passing and to remember her always children Gregory (Maria) Anderton, Marjorie Gibson and Audrey (Ray) Craig, grandchildren Meredith (Todd) Kennedy, Lyndsay (Ryan) Charles, Kendra (Roger Walcott) Walker, Dana Gibson, Craig Rennison and Troy Calleran, great grandchildren, Sophie, Logan and Declan Kennedy; Chloe, Dylan and Noah Charles and Zander Walcott. She also leaves many nieces and nephews and a host of other family and friends who will remember Mom as a loving and caring person who valued family first.
The family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to Dr. A. Bakshi and to the wonderful staff at Comox Valley Seniors Village for their loving care as Audrey approached the end of her life’s journey.
A Celebration of Life and Reception will be held on Saturday October 26, 2013 commencing at 2:00 p.m. from the Comox Valley Funeral Home located at 1101 Ryan Road, Courtenay, B.C.
In lieu of flowers donations in Audrey’s name may be made to the Comox Valley Hospice Society, 2137 Comox Ave, Comox, B. C. V9M 1P2 or the charity of your choice.