Cecelia Marie Fortin (nee Whalen) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 10th 2013 at Cascade Hospice. She was born in Halifax Nova Scotia on March 12th 1954 and moved to Chilliwack in 1971. She graduated from Sardis Secondary high school and continued her education at Selkirk College and UBC. Cecelia met her husband Charlie in high school, although their relationship began at the Williams Lake Stampede in 1973. They were married in 1975.

Cecelia loved nature and gardening and created a beautiful home with her keen eye for interior design. She had a passion for nutrition, exercise and also appreciated a glass of good red wine. Cecelia spent many years volunteering as an Aerobics and Fitness Instructor at the YWCA. She would often be seen riding her bike to work daily and encouraging her family and colleagues to eat well and live healthy. Cecelia was a music lover, an interest shared and enjoyed for many years with her husband and children. Her dedication and attention to detail served her well in her career in the Financial Industry and also as a Mother. She enthusiastically supported her children throughout their countless years involved in dance, sports and music.

She will be remembered for sharing many laughs and memorable times with her family, enjoying annual vacations to Mexico with friends and most recently choreographing the Rotary Club of Chilliwack Fraser’s annual “Swing into Spring” dance competition routine.

The family would like to send special thanks to Cascade Hospice, Dr. Bull, Dr. Van Rooyen and all of our family and friends for their love and support.

She is missed by her husband Charlie, son Daniel, daughter-in-law Stefanie, daughter Jenna, son-in-law Justin, her expected Granddaughter, her mother Edith, brothers; Mike, Pat and sisters; Maureen, Teresa and Cathy. A Celebration of Life Service and Reception will be held at 1:30pm on Tuesday June 18th at Camp River Hall 50246 Camp River Rd, Chilliwack. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to BC Cancer Foundation.