Tribute

My mom, Audrey Dolores Oatway, left this world peacefully on Jan.14, 2024. She was predeceased by her husband, Bill Oatway in 2016 and her daughter-in-law, Terry Oatway the following year. She is survived by her daughter, Shannon and son in law Harold Borges, son, Mark and grandsons, Sean (Erin) and Shane Oatway. Her grandsons brought her great joy, the mere mention of their names would light up her face. Yes, she was a very proud grandma!

Born (April, 26, 1930) at the beginning of the “dirty thirties” in Saskatchewan, she was raised during the great depression and the war years which helped shape her outlook on life and set her core values, a “do it yourself attitude”, determination and resilience.

She was a good friend to many, she loved to laugh and socialise. Mom made great friends everywhere she lived and at every stage of her life, maintaining those strong connections throughout her 93 years. Her sometimes salty humour, zest for life and the love she had for her family and friends will always be cherished memories. She enjoyed nothing more than hosting a large group of family and friends. If she liked you, she fed you…a lot! And then we played cards…for hours. The Oatway family and friends card-o-thons were legendary!

Mom graduated from nursing at the Saskatoon City Hospital in 1952 and found her calling working in the operating rooms of Calgary, Saskatoon and Winnipeg hospitals. My parents married that same year. She rolled and totaled Dad’s Cadillac on their honeymoon (no one was injured), fortunately that was NOT a sign of things to come. They were married for 64 years, raised 2 kids, Mark and I, had successful careers, travelled extensively, worked through challenges, and created full, rewarding lives.

She was an active person willing to try almost anything. Her favourite activities were sewing, quilting, cooking, skiing, hiking, and fishing, can’t forget the fishing! When my parents moved to the coast, they purchased a boat, so more often than not, a “gone fishing” sign hung from their front door!

After my Dad’s graduation from dentistry from the University of Manitoba in 1967, my parents moved us to Kamloops where we settled in and put down our roots for a time. Around 1976, Sorrento on Shuswap Lake became their home for a few years before heading off on new adventures in northern Alberta and the Queen Charlottes, eventually settling in Nanaimo, BC were they enjoyed retirement until my father’s death in 2016.

Dementia can strike anyone it seems, people who are active, bright and healthy, like my mother. She lived with this cruel disease for years, finally passing away in long term care in Ladysmith BC. Prior to long term care, she lived in Sidney BC in assisted living. I would often go and pick her up, get an ice cream cone and then park by the ocean and we would watch the boats and seagulls sail by. This will be a memory I will always treasure. Rest in peace Mom, you will be forever in our hearts.