July 28, 2018
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Selma Ardene Nutini (nee Frew) on Saturday, July 28, 2018. She leaves behind her children David (Marjorie), Liann, Laura and Julie; Donna (Ralph), Marnie, Allison, Ben and Geoff; Linda (Donny), Stephen (Kristi) and great grandbaby Mulrain; Ronald (Patricia), Andre, Rita and Max; Karen (Shane), Kaley (Tyler), Jessica and Erika; Lori (Matthew), Melissa, Nathan and Jacob; Alan (Marianne), Chelsea and Katie. She is also survived by step-siblings Bob Hunter (Yvonne) and Cathy Craig.
Selma was predeceased by her husband, Sebastian, her parents, Frederick and Beatrice Frew, her grandmother, Rosina Frew, her step-mother, Elizabeth Koopmans, her step-brother, Ken Hunter, her cousin, Gordon Frew, and her granddaughter, Carla Nutini.
Selma was born in Powell River, BC and had fond memories of growing up in Cumberland, BC. In 1951, after attending Victoria Normal School, she relocated to Trail to begin her teaching career in a two room schoolhouse in Montrose with her beloved "Buzz" as her co-teacher and principal. Teaching was Selma's passion and she spent many years both as a parent and a teacher at St. Michael's School.
Selma and Buzz celebrated 65 years of marriage in 2017. Throughout their life together, they were blessed with 7 children and 20 grandchildren all of whom they cherished. Selma served her family with joy, and time with her children and grandchildren filled her heart. Family was everything to her.
Selma was an active member of Holy Trinity Parish, the Catholic Women's League, the Sisters of Colombo and the Happy Wanderers. She loved to sing and believed that to sing is to pray twice. Selma had a passion for the arts, whether attending performances by her children and grandchildren, singing in the cruise ship choirs or volunteering with the Kootenay Festival of the Arts. Wherever she travelled, the artistic performances were always a highlight for her.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 13, 2018, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2012 - 3rd Avenue, Trail, BC at 10:30 AM with celebrant Father dela Cruz. Reception will follow immediately at the Riverbelle, 1350 Esplanade Avenue, Trail, BC. Bill Clark of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to a charity of your choice or Diabetes Canada (diabetes.ca) or St. Michael's Catholic Public School Foundation c/o 8166 DeVito Drive, Trail, BC V1R 4W1. This organization provides a scholarship to a JL Crowe graduate who is a former St. Michael's School student.
Selma exemplified a joyful life of service. She will be deeply missed by family, friends and her musical community. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca
We will love you, with an everlasting love. We won't say goodbye, Mom; we will say farewell.
