It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Netta Monk, on March 3, 2023.
Netta is survived by her sister Winnifred Burroughs of Powell River, daughter Sandy Hurrie (Barry) of Nanaimo, son Doug Monk (Susan) of Powell River, grandson Kurtis Hurrie (Brianna) of Victoria, granddaughter Kaitlyn Zayonc (Chamberlain), great-grandson Jackson Zayonc of Nanaimo, and several nieces and nephews. Netta was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Ross Monk, mother Winnifred (Clutterbuck) Behan and father Daniel Behan of Powell River.
Netta was born and raised in Powell River. She attended Cranberry and Henderson elementary schools and high school at Brooks Secondary School. During her high school years, Netta worked at the Patricia Theatre and later at the Bank of Commerce in the Townsite. It was during this time she met Ross, and they were married on September 22, 1956.
Netta helped with the family business (Monk’s Super Service) in the early years and then became a homemaker once Sandy and Doug were born. Netta was an avid curler, participating in curling in Powell River and in bonspiels throughout BC, and was proud to tell the story when her team got an "eight-ender." She was a volunteer with the Powell River Hospital Auxiliary for over 40 years, where she made many great friends.
Netta was a fantastic cook and baker, known for her clam chowder and smoked salmon with the clams freshly picked by Ross from the beach at the family cabin.
Netta enjoyed her relationship with her grandchildren, often travelling to Richmond, Surrey, Ucluelet and Nanaimo to spend time with them. She managed to attend their hockey games, ballet recitals and many school concerts. She enjoyed several family vacations to Hawaii and accompanied Ross to many Chrysler conventions in Canada and the USA.
The family beach cabin, "Driftways," just south of Powell River, was a place where Netta enjoyed gardening and where Netta and Ross entertained many friends and family. In 2008 and a highlight of hers, Netta won $10,000 at a Lower Mainland casino while spending time with good friends.
In 2015, Netta participated in a naming contest for three new BC Intermediate Class ferries. Her name, "Salish Orca," was chosen amongst 7,100 entries. She received a commemorative plaque issued by BC Ferries president and CEO Mike Corrigan, citing, "You are forever a part of our maritime history!"
Netta’s family would like to acknowledge Dr. Brad Schweitzer, Netta’s personal physician, the staff at inclusion Powell River Society, Vancouver Coastal
Home Support, qathet General Hospital fourth floor nursing staff and Coastal Breeze Village for their care, support and assistance.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled on Saturday, April 1, 2023, 1 to 3 pm at the Seaside Bistro, Beach Gardens Resort in Powell River. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Powell River Health-Care Auxiliary, BC SPCA Powell River or BC Cancer Society.
