Effie Pearl Laurie, long time resident of Nelson BC, was born near Chapel Rock, Alberta on February 17, 1927 and passed away at Kelowna General Hospital on April 9, 2013 at the age of 86.
She was the youngest daughter of Alex and Pearl Nasadyk of Canyon BC .
On May 6, 1945 she married Walter Charles (Dint) Laurie and moved to Cranbrook BC, where they started a family that grew and grew and became the center of her life. Effie and Walter raised their family in Cranbrook, Fernie, Kelowna, Burnaby, and Nelson over 67 years of marriage.
She will truly be missed by her husband Walter, daughter Cheri of Abbotsford, sons Wayne (Shari) of Kelowna, Bruce (Jodi) of Victoria, Chris (Patricia) of Peachland and youngest daughter Tina (Dave) Coletti of Nelson.
Her grandchildren and great grand children have felt her love and have always shared their love with her: Patrik (Melanie) Laurie with son Zaiden, of Cloverdale; Daryl (Amy) Gorynuik with daughter Brooklynn and son Tyson of Rosedale; Mikel (Sarah) Laurie with son Samuel and daughter Grace of Summerland, Luke and Annie Laurie of Comox; Josh and Christine Coletti and through marriage Sarah (Orrin) Quinn with daughter Callee and son Tanner and Amy (Matthew) Wainwright with daughter Courtney and son Tristan.
Effie was predeceased by her nine brothers and sisters and is survived by her sister Ann Staite of Parksville, as well as her many nieces and nephews who she loved and occupied a special place in her heart for.
Effie was always seeming to draw easily from a never ending supply of graciousness. Her determination to look after her family, her extended family and the Nelson community was amazing. She loved her church and the ways in which it could make a difference in this world. She loved Jesus and learned to hear his voice in the middle of any challenge. With Jesus by her side, she fought off numerous skirmishes with cancer.
Effie was an avid skier and golfer, enjoying the slopes at Whitewater a few weeks ago. She was an artist that became proficient in pottery, weaving, sewing, costume making for children’s ice skating shows, and of course food! Her cooking and hospitality are legend, especially her famed huckleberry and apricot pies for which her sons and grandsons were willing to fight over.
Memorial Donations can be made to the Nelson First Baptist Church, 622 Fifth Street, Nelson BC, V1L 2X1 or the Canadian Cancer Society, 1-711 Vernon St. Nelson BC, V1L 4G3
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, 20 May 2013 at 2:00 pm at Nelson First Baptist Church, 622 Fifth Street.
Condolences and memories may be shared with family & friends by going online to ‘Making everlasting Memories’ at and search for a Story on Effie Laurie.