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Elsie Jean Cargnelli (nee Attaway)

April 3, 2022

E9O1Z2B9-20220411101155
November 11, 1936 - April 3, 2022
In loving memory ~
Jean was born on November 11th, 1936, in Trail, BC and passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022, in Trail, BC. She was predeceased by her parents, Frederick and Martha (Mattie) Attaway and daughter Donna Richtsfeld (Cargnelli).
She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Celestino (Cele), brother Gordon Attaway, daughter Diane (Martin) Handly, son John (Sue) Cargnelli, son-in-law Gordon Richtsfeld, grandchildren Evan Richtsfeld, Katrina Cargnelli, and Tessa Richtsfeld, and nephews and cousins.
She was part of the first full graduating class from J. Lloyd Crowe in 1954 and then completed senior matriculation in 1955. She was accepted to Royal Columbian Hospital and received her nursing degree three years later. She then started her professional career working as a pediatric nurse at the Trail-Tadanac Hospital.
Jean married her high school sweetheart, Celestino, in 1959. After the birth of her first daughter, Donna in 1960, she took a break from her nursing career to raise Donna, Diane, and John. When her children were old enough to go to school, she went to work for a few years at the Medical Associates Clinic. Then, in 1979, she was one of the first nurses to join Columbia View Lodge and worked there until she retired.
Jean was a curler and an avid skier most of her life and spent much time on the Arrow Lakes, first as a child at Syringa Creek and then later at their summer home in Deer Park. Jean was a Girl Guide leader, proud member of the Sisters of Colombo, Eagles, and volunteered at the Red Cross and Hospice Society. After retirement, her pride and joy was being Nonna to her grandchildren. Jean was a very happy, out-going person and she will be very missed by her family and many, many friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (2012 Third Ave, Trail) on Tuesday, April 19th, 2022 at 10:00 am with Father Francis dela Cruz, Celebrant.
At Jean's request, there will be no visitation; she will be interred at Mountain View Cemetery at a private family service.
Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation ServicesTM has been entrusted with the arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, the family would suggest donations in her name to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca or your preferred local charity.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family's online register at www.myalternatives.ca


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