March 9, 1931 - December 31, 2014
Gertrude "Pearl" Sugars passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at St. Mary's Hospital in Sechelt, BC. Pearl was born March 9, 1931 in Windsor, Ontario the daughter of Edward and Eleanor Nelson. Pearl grew up as a farmer's daughter during the Depression and had a great love of animals her entire life. She was united in marriage to John Sugars on March 31, 1956 in Oyama, (Okanagan), British Columbia. They spent their honeymoon in Spuzzum, BC and were married for almost 60 wonderful years.
Pearl received her registered Nursing degree from Grace Hospital in Windsor, Ontario in 1952. In 1954, she bravely moved to BC with a friend, where she worked as a nurse at VGH, as well as Children's Hospital. After falling in love and getting married she then dedicated her energy to being the most amazing mom to her children. In the 1980's, she got her Masters in Early Childhood Education and Special Education. She then ran Peter Pan Nursery, a Special needs daycare and later a home daycare. Pearl was an active member of the Red Hat Society in West Kelowna. Pearl was awarded Senior of the Year in 2009 in West Bank for all of her volunteer work. She also was awarded many awards in Peach Land fall fairs for gardening, baking and needlework. She was instrumental in the costuming and decorating for various Performing arts groups in the Okanagan. She was an avid gardener, pet lover and party host. She was famous for hosting amazing parties with friends and family.
She is survived by her husband John Sugars; her children (and spouses); Marsh (Wayne) Chuppa, Valley View, AB, Dave (Laurie) Sugars, Roberts Creek, BC; four loving grandchildren Trevor, Heather, Odelia and Maiya and three great-grandchildren, Erik, Emily, Drayden; brother, Earl (Mernie) and family (in Ontario), sister and brother-in-law, Maggie and Moe and family (BC); sister in law Joyce and family (BC).
Pearl was preceded in death by a son, Bruce Sugars in Nova Scotia, a brother Loren Nelson and sister Elsie Boose.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the BCSPCA as she loved all animals. To donate by cheque or credit card, please download and complete a donation form on their website: http://www.spca.bc.ca (look under "support" section and then "donate") or call 604-681-7271 (1-800-665-1868 outside the Lower Mainland).