HOLST
(Winnifred) Mae,
May 5, 1929 - August 28, 2008
It is with our deepest sadness to announce the death of our mother, (Winnifred) Mae Holst (nee: Stotts). Born and raised in Lumsden, Saskatchewan. She is predeceased by her loving parents, William and Clara Stotts, as well as her two older brothers, Frank and Bill Stotts. Also waiting to reunite with her in heaven is her soulmate, our father, Albert Holst, with whom many years had separated them, but their hearts and love for one another never faded (obvious only to the closest of family). She leaves behind to mourn, her three children, Bill (Val) of Tisdale, Saskatchewan, Brenda (Duane) of Strathclair, Manitoba, and Lori-Mar (Steve) of Nanaimo, BC.
She met, and later married Dad in 1946, where in Headquarters they started their family as eldest child William Albert was born.
They would later move to the Happy Valley, as they purchased 'The Farm' on the outskirts of Courtenay. This is where mom, our loving matriarch, happily added to, and completed the family fold when along came (3 years apart) two daughters, Brenda Lynn Mae, and Lori Marika.
'The Farm' situated on Grant Road, was purchased to settle and plant 'Family Roots' where she lovingly nurtured and raised her kids. Many, many happy years of memories were created, where she could/would be found chasing heifers, or milking cows during the absence of Albert while he was in and out of logging camps for over 25 years. The smell of her freshly baked homemade bread, will be forever missed, yet remembered as our homing beacon, a loving "Welcome Home" for her children. Her ability to find humour, and laughter (as well as put people at ease in awkward moments) will be missed by those who knew and appreciated her strong Irish sense of humour. Mom and her 'contagious giggle' will remain in the hearts of those who loved her. She is now gone, but this wonderful woman will Never be forgotten.
Her life was happiest being a busy, and loving 'wife and mother', but she will also be missed by her six adoring grandchildren, Michael, Matthew, Cori, Ryan, Cody, and Kyle, as well as many nieces and nephews. There will be no Funeral or Memorial (by her request). Nieces will hold a private family gathering to "Toast & Celebrate" her life. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the B.C. Cancer Society in her memory.
Her children wish to take this opportunity to thank the gentle paramedics that answered the call, as well as the caring doctors and nurses in the emergency ward. Included is a very special "Thank You" to her dedicated doctor (Dr. Robertson) and to the wonderful nurses on the second floor of St. Joseph's Hospital, that went above (and beyond) the call of duty to assist us, during her last days on earth. We also want to thank Chaplain Gordon Carter for sharing those comforting words for her weary soul. We know, and have witnessed 'angels' that walk amongst us daily. Last but not least, we wish to thank Piercy's Funeral Home for their courtesy, respect, and utmost Professionalism.
How God Created Mother
God took the fragrance of a flower,
The majesty of a tree,
The gentleness of morning dew,
The calm of a quiet sea,
The beauty of a twilight hour,
The soul of a starry night
The laughter of the rippling brook,
The grace of a bird in flight,
Then God fashioned from these things
A creation like no other,
And when His masterpiece was through,
He called it simply .... MOTHER
Forever in our hearts
Bill, Brenda, and Lori-Mar