Charlotte Veronica (Nearing) Douglas Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce Charlotte’s passing in Pembroke, Ontario, Canada on November 4th, 2019.
Charlotte was born in the east coast mining town of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia on December 28th, 1933. Daughter of Philip and Eugenie Nearing. Beloved sister of Philip, Ethel, Laura, Russell, Marion, Triplets Sheila, Sheldon and Sharron, Viola and Patrick. As the third child in a family of eleven children Charlotte learned the values of hard work, responsibility and caring for others at an early age. These values would be essential in shaping her wonderful life.

Charlotte was a diligent student and an excellent athlete. Her sisters told me that she often would stay up late, after her chores were complete, to finish her homework. She attended Glace Bay McKay’s Corner elementary school and graduated from St. Anne high school in 1952. She was extremely proud of her Maritime ancestry and often recalled with warm fondness the many stories of her family and friends.

After high school, Charlotte attended St. Martha’s Hospital School of Nursing in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. She studied, worked and lived at St. Martha’s until her graduation in 1955. This was the beginning of a nursing career that spanned more than 40 years. Charlotte’s commitment and dedication to the care of others was a common theme throughout her entire life.
Following her graduation from St Martha’s, Charlotte accepted a job at Mount Royal hospital in Montreal, Quebec. This is where she met and fell in love with my extraordinary father Mr. Glenn Alexander Douglas. They were married on October 29th, 1958 in Montreal, Quebec. This was the beginning of a love story that lasted 59 years.

Family life followed with the birth of their children Donna Marie, Glenn Gary, Robert Wayne and Deborah Joanne. They were devoted and loving parents spending many hours at the riding stables, football fields, hockey arenas and baseball diamonds. Charlotte kept an immaculate home. Charlotte put her career on hold while her family was young. I remember when she returned to work at Scarborough General Hospital in Scarborough, Ontario. Not only did she delay returning to her career until after we kids had reached high school age, but, she worked the midnight shift to further minimize any impact on the home front.

Glenn and Charlotte lived full lives filled with adventure and travel. Their journey took them from Montreal, Quebec, to Burlington, Ontario, to Calgary, Alberta, to Agincourt, Ontario before their retirement in the lovely Upper Ottawa Valley. Together, they build a beautiful retirement home in Petawawa, Ontario. There they enjoyed many happy years of hunting, fishing, hiking, swimming and the beautiful sunsets on the Ottawa river. Nature was a fundamental and essential element. It brought them tremendous peace and happiness. Their retirement years continued at Riverview Heights Retirement Home in Pembroke, Ontario. They enjoyed many years and made many new friends amongst the residents and staff.
When my father became ill in 2017, my mother automatically accepted the role as the primary care giver. As always, she committed herself wholeheartedly to this responsibility. She made daily visits to the Pembroke Hospital to be by his side. When my Dad passed away in April 2017, my mother’s heart was broken. This was a wound that could not be mended. The sustained stress associated with my Dad’s illness had taken its toll. For all of us, life would never be the same. This demonstration of love and devotion goes beyond explanation.

No words can adequately express the love, respect and appreciation that we feel for you Mom. You committed your entire life to the care of others, your husband and family. We stand in utter awe of your work ethic, selflessness and compassion. In fact, you have provided us with the ultimate example of love. For that gift, we will be forever indebted to you. I know that your soul will live on in all those who had the privilege to know you. We will do our best to guard, protect and continue the principles that you established.

Charlotte was pre-deceased by her parents Philip and Eugenie, brothers Philip, Russell and Sheldon. Left to grieve are devoted children: daughter Donna and her sons Emrys and Caeleigh; son Glenn Gary his wife Leesa and their daughters Brianna and Bethany; son Robert Wayne his wife Trudy and their four children Alex, Maddie, Katie and Mac; daughter Deborah Joanne (Mike Jenkinson) and her son Declan. Charlotte was blessed with a great grandchild Olivia Rose.
Charlotte is also survived by her sisters Ethel, Laura, Marion, Sheila, Sharon, Viola and by brother Patrick and their families.

As per Charlotte’s wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no formal service or visitation. We encourage you to celebrate the life of this strong, intelligent and kind women in the privacy of your heart. Please take a moment to tell your parents how much you love them. For one day, they’ll be gone.

Many thanks to the caring professionals at the Riverview Heights Retirement Residence, Local Health Integration Networks and Bayshore Home Health that allowed my mother to live the final days of her life with the dignity she so greatly deserved. Thanks also to Dr. Linde Corrigan, Dr, Chady of the Ottawa Heart Institute and Dr. Nemani.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Mom, you will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace. Loving wishes from your family.