Inesse Gattrell (nee Vanelli) died at the age of 91 in Parksville, BC on September 15, 2016. She was born in Trail, BC on August 22, 1925. Mom was raised in the rooming house run by her parents Guido (Joe) and Agnese Vanelli. Mom grew up in “The Gulch” where wonderful memories were made. She would not have changed anything about growing up there.
After marrying husband William (Bill) Gattrell, they moved to Blueberry Creek near Castlegar where they raised their family. After Bill died in 1997, she reluctantly sold the home and relocated to Kamloops to be more central to all her children. Although she stubbornly resisted another move, she relocated to Nanaimo in 2013 where Barbara could look after her. She enjoyed her time in her apartment in Nanaimo and often joked about not liking sea voyages on the ferry. Mom was a beautiful, caring lady with an open heart. She had a generous spirit. She was a selfless person that was always there to help her friends and family. Mom developed dementia but was still able to enjoy wonderful memories of life in Trail and Blueberry Creek.
In May she fell and broke her hip and never recovered. She spent her last days in the Trillium Lodge. No longer able to live independently and refusing to be a burden, she prepared herself for her next journey on her own terms; refusing treatment and passing away peacefully in her sleep knowing that she was loved by her family and surviving friends.
Mom is predeceased by husband William (Bill), and brothers Gino and Bruno Vanelli. She is survived by son Gary (Valerie) in Kaledan, daughters Lynne Hyatt (Stan) in Prince George, Barbara Chrystal (Andrew) in Nanaimo and Shannon Gauthier (Rick) in Mackenzie. She also leaves behind her loving and caring brother Elsio (Betty) Vanelli of Trail, sister-in-law Joyce Dibble of San Diego, brothers-in-law Albert (Ann) in Ontario and Louis (Judy) Gattrell in Surrey who sadly died September 23.
Mom will be greatly missed by all of her 11 grandchildren and 8 beautiful great grandchildren. She never forgot her many nieces and nephews, cherished cousins and many childhood friends.
Many thanks to the staff at the Trillium Lodge for making mom comfortable in her final weeks. Thank you also to all her friends and neighbours in Blueberry who watched over her after our father died. You will not be forgotten.
With her friendly and congenial manner she gained the friendship of many.
No service by request.