June 4, 1936 - August 4, 2023
In loving memory ~
We are saddened to share the sudden passing of our Mom, Nancy June, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt. Mom is predeceased by her husband, Lowell on April 27, 2023, married for 66 years, her parents, Norah and Jack and sister, Joan. Mom is survived by her daughters, Pam (Peter), Janice (Rick) and June (Frank); her grandchildren, Kailynn (Joey), Justin, Joel, Kory and Kyle, her great-grandson, Jack; her sisters Betty and Ann along with several nieces and nephews.
Mom was born in the Port Alberni hospital and lived in Ucluelet for 72 years. At the age of 21 Mom married a young man from Tofino, tall dark and handsome, his name, Lowell Panton. Then came their girls, Pam, Janice and June with never a dull moment - will they be leaving home soon?
In her younger years, Mom enjoyed playing baseball and excelled at first base. She also enjoyed bowling and badminton and would be seen walking around town almost daily. She was fit, full of energy and an avid gardener. Even though we moved quite a few times in Ucluelet, Mom always made our house into a home and the yards into beautiful gardens filled with an abundance of vegetables and flowers. Mom made us three girls join her down at Terrace Beach OFTEN to pull seaweed off the rocks, her secret garden fertilizer. We placed the seaweed in burlap potato sacks and dragged them up the trail and into Mom's car. Of course, we complained, but secretly we appreciated her hard work and the fruits of her labour; her plants and flowers were gorgeous and delicious!
As a family, we spent many hours down at the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse where Mom's parents Nana and Grandpop lived. During those times Grandpop worked as a lighthouse keeper. We enjoyed playing in the tidal pools surrounding the lighthouse as kids, as did Mom and her sisters as young children. We return to Ucluelet often and always visit the lighthouse to cherish the wonderful memories made there.
Mom spoiled us with homemade bread, cakes, and individual specialty meals when requested. We were fortunate to be able to walk home from school for lunch, on many occasions, when Mom would have a hot meal ready for us, made with love. Mom was well known for her specialty Christmas fruit cakes which she made extra early each year to allow the dark rum, dried fruit and nuts to be absorbed and blended together. Rick and Janice were given their own fruit cakes by Mom and had to hide them from each other. We loved Mom's homemade Christmas baking as well, as did others! Mom literally had to lock her freezer to keep certain family members from stealing her baked goods - you know who you are!!!
Mom was one of our greatest cheerleaders, always attending our sports events - basketball, volleyball, baseball, track and field, floor hockey and field hockey. Many trips to Port Alberni were made to compete against other schools. As young girls, Mom would drive us out to Kennedy Lake for swimming lessons by 9:00 in the morning. Our parents would treat us kids to a roaring fire on the beach to warm us up. Once the sun came out, you would find Mom under a tree on the beach reading a book to stay out of the sun. A very smart decision on her part as her skin was so beautiful and ivory white right up to the age of 87.
In our later years, Mom went to work at the Ucluelet Post Office and then at the National Parks Board where she found her calling. Mom loved working as a tourist information guide and eventually became head of that department. She already had so much knowledge of the area, a naturalist at heart. She embraced her position and contributed to the programs which enhanced the experiences of the locals and visitors alike.
Mom and Dad enjoyed dancing and attended many dances at the UAC Hall with most of Ucluelet's population. It seemed, at the time, we were related to half of Ucluelet. They also enjoyed their groups of friends hosting and attending many house parties and social life in general. Many day trips out on their boat, and weekends down at the Broken Island Group were enjoyed with family and friends.
We were thrilled, as were Mom and Dad when they decided to move into Origin at Longwood, a retirement community in Nanaimo. For six and a half years, they enjoyed dancing at every social engagement they attended, as did we - pre Covid. Lowell and Nancy enjoyed many delicious meals around the dinner table with friends, Mom finishing off most meals with a bowl of ice cream! Mom's love of ice cream, well known by all, started as a young child and carried on into her senior years.
Since Mom's passing, many residents from the Origin have approached us with their condolences and stories of how she had such a caring heart, was so kind, helpful, and loved by all. We all made many friends at Origin, not only the residents but the staff as well. What a great community!
Mom, we love you so much mere words do not convey the feelings we share for you every day. You are with us daily in our thoughts and in our hearts and that love will connect us from now until always.
Our sweet "June Rose"
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