March 22, 1921 - December 31, 2013
Louise born in Calgary, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the CV Seniors Village on
December 31, 2013 at age 92.
Predeceased by her husband Norman Aitken (1997), her sister Lois and her brother in-law Clarence (Nena) in 2012.
Survived by her Sisters in Calgary: Nena Herrington and Ivy Briarly, Sons: Ross Vandament (Cherilyn) of Comox, Greig
Erickson of Chilliwack, Murray Aitken (Laurie) of New York State, and Daughter: Karen Racine (Glenn) of Courtenay. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren.
Louise was adopted by a single parent known as AUNTIE in the mid 1920’s, moved and was raised in Saskatoon. There she became a teacher of English & Typing. Louise a single parent herself after a divorce raised Ross with the help of Auntie till she married George Erickson(Saskatoon City Police). Greig, Murray & Karen were born 3 years apart(in the 1950’s), keeping the household busy. George passed away from cancer in the mid 1960’s and Louise became a single parent again with a few more kids to look after.
Louise loving a challenge and equality, headed to the Teachers Federation with a group in the late 1960’s to stand up for WOMEN, so they would be allowed to wear pants on the job and they WON, what a day! Louise’s strong Irish character combined with wisdom was a great help to her in life but there was a gnawing question, Who am I? Later in the 1960’s she met and married Norman Aitken(Military-electrician). FAMILY was always #1 to Louise and she made sure all her children knew that, get-togethers etc were abundant. Louise’s strong Irish character combined with wisdom got her through but with the ever gnawing question, Who am I? Later in the 1960’s she met and married Norman Aitken (Military-electrician). FAMILY was always #1 to Louise and she made sure all her children knew that, get-togethers etc were abundant.
Louise developed Arthritis in the late 1960’s and was unable to teach any further, very sad she enjoyed teaching. She loved to dance, sing, play the piano, cards, crosswords, read, play bingo and go to Reno. Norm retired and with Louise headed to BC in the early 1970’s and opened up a kennel and were the first to introduce Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers to BC. The family pitched in and most helped to train and show the fabulous breed of dog.
Over time they retired to Chilliwack where they lived a quieter life, less stress and enjoyed being grandparents. In the late 1980’s Who am I? got an answer! Her search over the years met up with her actual family’s search and a big get-together happened in Calgary in 1987. Wow, how excited she was to meet family she looked like, acted like, similar ailments, etc. She was able, for the first time in her life, to get some answers to her adoption, etc. What a grand time this period in her life was! Many trips were made over the years visiting family.
Her message all her life was: never give up hope, ask questions, learn from your mistakes and carry on. She did, she persevered, was the matriarch of her family and set a good example. After Norm passed in 1997 with cancer, Louise moved over to the Island to live out the rest of her life. She was diagnosed with Dementia soon after her move so she got her life in order and met the condition, with smiles, laughter, lots of hugs and a sunny disposition. Louise/Granny will be sorely missed by all.
Family wishes to thank CV Seniors Village and all the wonderful care aides, Dr. M. Neufeld and Piercy’s-Mt. Washington Funeral Home for their guidance and support.