Obituary for Orva Lynnette Arnold (Hamilton)
As our family said goodbye to our vibrant matriarch, Lynnette, my sister Karen said: "My heart is breaking but now yours is not. Dance among the clouds Mom!"
Mom loved to dance. She taught dancing, off and on, for almost 60 years. For the past 9 years, she taught 2 tap dance classes at the Bowen Seniors Complex in Nanaimo. Over the years she taught ballet, tap, and round dancing (a form of ballroom dancing done with a caller, similar to square dancing). She was a frequent participant in community dance halls on Vancouver Island.
Mom was extremely active until the end and found it difficult during COVID not being able to socialize and participate in her hobbies. She and her partner Vince used long daily walks to keep busy while waiting for this "COVID thing to be over". She had gone for 2 walks on the day of her heart attack.
Married to a military man for 25 years (Clair Arnold), she lived in many places in Canada and Germany. Clair helped her teach round dancing by being a great dancing partner. Mom was also blessed with a loving partner of 20 years, Jack Middlemas, who shared her love of dancing and introduced her to long walks. Both Clair and Jack predeceased her.
She was very lucky to have found another wonderful partner in Vince Francovitch, with whom she would have celebrated 10 years this coming January. He also loved dancing with her and introduced her to carpet bowling.
During her working life, she held many different jobs, but her biggest love was sewing. She worked as a seamstress, creating many dance costumes for her dancing daughters or her classes and was sought after for her square dance dresses, crinolines and skirts from many different clubs. She also created all three of her daughters’ wedding dresses and bridal party’s dresses.
In the early 70’s, Mom created the red coat uniforms for a replica of Fort Hughes, a military blockhouse in Oromocto, NB. After moving to Victoria, BC in 1973, she spent many years working at Gregg's Upholstery as a furniture designer, cutter and seamstress. During those years, she went on many Princess Line cruise ships, either in dry dock or at sea, to reupholster their furniture.
Losing a parent is one of the hardest things we face in life but it was made bearable by the incredible ICU staff at Nanaimo General Hospital. We were extremely lucky that my 2 sisters and I and her partner were able to be with her as she drew her last breath.
She is survived by her three daughters Dale, Karen and Diane; son Rich, son-in-law Brent; four grandsons Chris, Alex, Brandon and Cameron; their wives/partners; two great-grandchildren Isla and Henry; her partner Vince; sister Bonnie; brother George; plus nieces and nephew.
Mom loved to dance. She taught dancing, off and on, for almost 60 years. For the past 9 years, she taught 2 tap dance classes at the Bowen Seniors Complex in Nanaimo. Over the years she taught ballet, tap, and round dancing (a form of ballroom dancing done with a caller, similar to square dancing). She was a frequent participant in community dance halls on Vancouver Island.
Mom was extremely active until the end and found it difficult during COVID not being able to socialize and participate in her hobbies. She and her partner Vince used long daily walks to keep busy while waiting for this "COVID thing to be over". She had gone for 2 walks on the day of her heart attack.
Married to a military man for 25 years (Clair Arnold), she lived in many places in Canada and Germany. Clair helped her teach round dancing by being a great dancing partner. Mom was also blessed with a loving partner of 20 years, Jack Middlemas, who shared her love of dancing and introduced her to long walks. Both Clair and Jack predeceased her.
She was very lucky to have found another wonderful partner in Vince Francovitch, with whom she would have celebrated 10 years this coming January. He also loved dancing with her and introduced her to carpet bowling.
During her working life, she held many different jobs, but her biggest love was sewing. She worked as a seamstress, creating many dance costumes for her dancing daughters or her classes and was sought after for her square dance dresses, crinolines and skirts from many different clubs. She also created all three of her daughters’ wedding dresses and bridal party’s dresses.
In the early 70’s, Mom created the red coat uniforms for a replica of Fort Hughes, a military blockhouse in Oromocto, NB. After moving to Victoria, BC in 1973, she spent many years working at Gregg's Upholstery as a furniture designer, cutter and seamstress. During those years, she went on many Princess Line cruise ships, either in dry dock or at sea, to reupholster their furniture.
Losing a parent is one of the hardest things we face in life but it was made bearable by the incredible ICU staff at Nanaimo General Hospital. We were extremely lucky that my 2 sisters and I and her partner were able to be with her as she drew her last breath.
She is survived by her three daughters Dale, Karen and Diane; son Rich, son-in-law Brent; four grandsons Chris, Alex, Brandon and Cameron; their wives/partners; two great-grandchildren Isla and Henry; her partner Vince; sister Bonnie; brother George; plus nieces and nephew.