It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Eleanor 'Anne" Hatt on November 5th, 2021 at the age of 97.
Mom was born in the family home in Garsdale England in 1924. After formal schooling, she worked at a variety of jobs including being a 'nanny', photographer's model and housekeeper before joining the war effort by working in a factory that made airplane parts. Dances were a big part of the war time society and it was at one of these dances that she met a handsome Canadian soldier, Steve Hatt. He fell in love with Mom instantly! After a romance consisting of a few visits but many letters, they got married in April of 1945.
Dad returned to Canada in June of that year and Mom followed in March of 1946. The family always admired the courage it took for Mom to leave her family and support system in England and travel half way around the world to a strange new country to live with a person she didn't know well. It was a decision she never regretted and, like always, she fully embraced the new experience and enjoyed every moment.
Mom and Dad initially lived in Vancouver where they had three children (Judy, Roger and Pat) and Dad had a well paying job. However, in 1958, they both agreed that the city was not the place they wanted to raise their family, so once again risking everything, they travelled to the North Okanagan area where they remained basically for the majority of their lives.
As a young family, the Hatts camped, fished and enjoyed the outdoors, activities they passed on to their offspring. Later on in retirement, Mom and Dad spent many years travelling in their camper to fish and explore areas nearby as well as in the US and far reaches of Canada where they maintained family ties and made many new friends. They went on some Casino bus tours and Mom enjoyed visiting casinos even after Dad passed in 2009. They made several trips to England to visit Mom's family, connections which remained very important to Mom even though the physical distance was great.
Mom was a master knitter, a wonderful gardener and a marvellous cook and baker.
However her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and friends. She loved children and babysat for many youngsters through the years. She was know as 'Nana' to many children beyond her immediate family. She was a 'baby whisperer' and could calm a crying infant like no one else.
We will miss her infectious laugh, her entertaining stories and her kind and gentle nature (with a little naughtiness mixed in). Anyone who knew her, came away a better person. She will not be forgotten. Mom leaves behind her daughter Judy, son Roger (Diane), daughter-in-law Jill, 6 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and countless other friends and family too numerous to mention. You know who you are and you know how much Mom loved you.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Parkview Place and Dr. Abayomi for their wonderful care these last 5 years when Mom's health failed.
As per Mom's wishes there will be no service.
'Mom is now peacefully knitting in Heaven's Garden' God Bless Her.
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