Nov 16, 1947 – Nov 21, 2020
Juanita was born in Victoria on November 16, 1947 to Zena and Winston Burkholder, and left us on November 21, 2020 in Armstrong. She grew up in Bamfield with brothers Ross, Gerry and Brian; attending the local school via “school boat” until grade 8 when she moved to Port Alberni to finish high school. Juanita always loved the ocean and returned to Bamfield regularly as an adult. You might’ve seen her racing home along the old gravel road from Port. A honk of the horn at the end of the road would see Zena zipping across the Bay to pick up Juanita and kids and ferry them all home for a visit. Juanita spent a lot of time boating and fishing and a visit to Bamfield was never complete without a walk along Brady’s Beach.
Juanita was married to Bruce and later to Jim, but her true loves were her kids, Kathrine and Grant. She worked as a waitress, a cashier, a care aide and a manager of Abbeyfield House in Armstrong but according to her, her biggest accomplishment was successfully raising two children as a single mom. Those two children (and their spouses Earl and Errin) gave Juanita seven grandchildren (Kyle, Kelsey, Ashley and Caleb; Jack, Wesley and Frances); and granddaughter Kelsey brought Juanita’s first great-grandchild (Hudson) into the world shortly before she passed. There’s a little piece of Nana in each member of this next generation – whether her fine sense of humour, her beautiful smile, her contagious laugh, the glint in her eye or possibly her stubborn streak.
Juanita travelled the world, but her all-time favourite place was Hawaii. She made several trips there as a young woman and often dreamed of moving there. She also loved a good hike in Ellison Park, boat rides to the Sidney Spit with her lifelong friend Judy, downhill and cross-country skiing, fine wine, painting and music (especially Billy Joel). A ferry trip, a long drive, or a flight across the country were never an obstacle to visiting friends and family – getting together was a must and Juanita made it happen to the delight of those who loved spending time with her.
Juanita was much loved and will be sorely missed by all who knew her. Though her last few years were a struggle, she will be remembered for who she was and how she lived – a strong and striking beauty approaching the world with a unique combination of boldness and nonchalance, seizing every opportunity to experience something new and never letting circumstances get her down for very long. Always looking for the bright side, Juanita was a true ray of sunshine in this world. Those of us who enjoyed the pleasure of her company know that she wanted us all to not just live, but to savour the experience of living – the big things, the little things, the sunrises and sunsets. She would encourage us all to find happiness in where we are, what we are doing and those we are with. May she rest in peace and may the memory of her smile live on in those of us who will never forget her.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Juanita Burkholder November 21st 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Armstrong, Province: Colombie britanique
I had the pleasure of meeting Juanita in Bamfield in the mid 2000’s. We worked in the Market that summer. You’re absolutely right; she had a stubborn streak, twinkle in her eye, love for adventure and we had a lot of laughs. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.
My deepest sympathy to all of her family;
Hilda Jacobsen
Port Alberni B.C.