On March 18, 2012 following a brief illness, Violet Irene Pagnan passed away peacefully with her children by her side at Poplar Ridge Pavillion. She was 87.
Vi was born on January 6, 1925 and raised in Hillcrest, Alberta. She had one brother, Ambrose, and two sisters, Cela and Vin, who helped raise her after her mother’s premature death. In her teens Vi moved to Rossland to life with her sister Cela’s family and remained in the area for the rest of her life.
Vi worked for a brief period at the Cominco offices where she met and subsequently married her lifelong love Gino with whom she spent over 65 happy years. Vi and Gino had two children, Peter and Cindy, and two grandchildren, Michael and Alicia.
Violet was predeceased by Gino as well as her siblings and beloved nephew Ken.
Although Vi dedicated the bulk of her time to raising and caring for her family she was also very active in the United Church and local charities. In particular she spent many hours doing volunteer work for the Hospital Auxiliary, the BC Lung Association and the Arthur Chapman Chapter of the IODE of which she was regent for many years. Through her efforts many bursaries and scholarships were awarded to deserving students and essential equipment purchased for the Trail regional hospital.
Vi greatly enjoyed travelling, especially camping, and did so frequently after her children were grown and Gino retired. She loved doing new things and meeting new people. She also enjoyed live music and a good book. Her happy smile will long be remembered.
Vi requested there be no public funeral. In celebration of their lives a memorial picnic table has been dedicated to Vi and Gino at Gyro Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Lung Association or the BCSPCA.
We wish to express our thanks to Dr. Phillips, who cared for Vi for many years, and to the staff at Poplar Ridge for their wonderful care, support and friendship.