Arlee "Arla" Jeannine Butler Hawkins

It is with broken hearts; we announce Mom’s passing; after a valiant 2 year battle with cancer. Mom passed away at home wrapped in the love of all her #1’s; Dad; her forever #1… husband, partner, friend and as Mom said recently “Dad is the #1 nurse” as well as her four #1 daughters; Penny, Bonnie, Kelly and Tracy. Mom; if love could have saved you; you would still be here.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Alice Butler and sister-in-law, Violet Kujala. She is survived by her loving husband of 59 years, Don; her daughters, Penny (Lloyd) Schwager, Bonnie Hawkins, Kelly Hawkins (Fred Gray) & Tracy (John) Coney. She is also survived by her 10 grandchildren; Bradley (Deb) & Darren Schwager, Chad (Chantel) & Melanie Crosson, Blair (Ashley), Shannon, Evan, Julie (Cody Hetherington) Pletti, & Brant (Jocelyn To) & Taryn Coney; as well as the light of her life; her great-grandchildren, Taylor, Griffin, Kohen, Dylan, Anna, Tatum, Darcie, Devynn And Coen.

Mom is also survived by her sisters; Verna (Albert) Proulx, Lois (Dennis) Andow and Faye (Moe) Zdebiak, as well as Dad’s siblings, Jim (Donna), Alex, Terry (Joanne), Pat (Karen) Hawkins & Joan (Gus) Michalenko as well as many nieces and nephews. Mom is also survived by her very best friend Katherine Beckett.

Mom had a full life, raising 4 girls while at the same time, supporting Dad when he owned Don Hawkins Log Salvage by doing his book-keeping. We always had home cooked meals, & coming home from school with the smell of home-baking wafting through the house is something we will always remember. Mom got the greatest pleasure and many laughs during the time spent with her grand-children and great-grand-children. She loved their energy and laughed at the things they would come out with. Mom and Dad loved to spend time traveling in their 5th wheel around the Island as well as several trips down south and a memorable trip to Alaska. They also enjoyed travelling to Hawaii and Vegas.

Mom didn’t want a formal service; but agreed to let us have a tea. If you would like to join us in remembering this wonderful lady; a tea will take place Saturday, February 8th from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at the Alberni Valley United Church hall at 3747 Church Street.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Ty Watson House, MS Walk or Children’s Hospital as per Mom’s wishes.

We love you mom and are going to miss you terribly and as Dad said: “You are too young” and “I wanted to spend more time with you”. Please rest in peace. “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure”…and we will treasure your memory for as long as we live.