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 Mary Iona “Nonie” Garlough 1929-2008 Mary Iona Garlough, affectionately known to us as “Nonie” passed away at the Dawson Creek Hospital on Thursday, October 2, 2008. Nonie was born in Osgoode Ontario February 25, 1929. The eldest of five children of Valmer and Jean Chartrand. Nonie will be well remembered for her willingness to help others, participating in Legion functions, and dressing in outrageous costumes when playing and acting in the many skits performed by Legion members and guests. Nonie could always be encouraged to play the piano in the Branch lounge at impromptu sing song sessions. Nonie grew up on the Village of Osgoode, Ontario. At the age of 14 she left to work at the Children’s Village in Ottawa. From there to the Salvation Army Grace Hospital for nurses training. After Graduation she worked at the Winchester Memorial Hospital in Winchester, Ontario. Nonie and Bert were married on August 27, 1949, and spent the next 20 years with family and friends, a hard and busy life. She worked at the office of her friend and mentor Dr. Byers. Being as everyone played musical instruments there would be many impromptu singing sessions on little or no encouragement. One such time occurred at the hospital where her mother was under Palliative Care, Nonie saw a piano in the hallway. She started playing and soon the hallway was the site for yet another sing song, attended by even the nuns. In the late 1960’s, Nonie and Bert moved to Williams Lake, British Columbia and then to Fort Nelson. Nonie came to Dawson Creek in 1968, and worked as an RN in St. Joseph’s Hospital and at the medical clinic. In 1981 she stopped working as an RN and went to work at city hall as a cashier until her retirement in 1992. Nonie first joined the Dawson Creek branch of the Royal Canadian Legion in 1972 as a fraternal affiliate that was turned into an honorary membership by the branch due to her keen interest and involvement in all branch functions. Having found that her father had served in WWI, which qualified her for associate voting membership. Having served in the following offices herself: President, Past President , 1st vice president, 2nd vice president, Membership Chairman, Chairman Air Cadet Committee, Service Officer, and Recording Secretary. She also assisted with Poppy and Membership Committees, and would help one and all members of the branch whenever she could. Nonie was predeceased by father Valmer, mother Jean, and sisters; Ruth and Dawna. Nonie is lovingly remembered by sister and brother (twins) Deanna (Grant) Gignac, David(Evelyn) Chartrand, nephew Duncan McLellan, Deanna’s children and many more nieces, nephews and cousins. A Memorial Service was held on October 8, 2008 at the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, British Columbia, officiated by Captains Roger and Francie Lee. Expressions of sympathy in memory of "Nonie" can be made to the 'Royal Canadian Legion Branch #141 Poppy Fund' , #10-10200-8 Street, Dawson Creek, BC V1G 3P8. |
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