Nov 30, -0001 - Oct 17, 2017
Julia E. Little
It is with great sadness, that the family of Julia Ethel Little (nee Simpson) would like to announce her passing on October 17, 2017. She was predeceased by her husband, Gordon Lindsay Little, in May 1989; and by her son, George Simpson Little, in May 1962.
Julia was one of 9 children born to Herbert & Ethel Simpson, a pioneer family in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. The family moved to Houston in 1929 and then to the Kispiox Valley, before Julia made her way to Terrace in 1936. She was 18 years old and she acquired her first job at Riley's Drug Store. She enjoyed sharing stories of her young adulthood in Terrace. She spoke fondly of dances and the many lifelong friends she made as a young woman. The man who won her over was Gordon, son of the founder of Terrace. They married in 1941and then swiftly moved to Kwinitsa, where they owned and operated a sawmill.
During the next decade, she managed to help out with the operation of the sawmill, occasionally assist with the cooking of the meals for the camp employees, conducted operation of the small grocery store and give birth to three children; George, William, and Linda. Although it was 10 years of arduous labor, the photos of that period show a resilient and fun-loving woman who always made the best of a situation. The early 1950's brought the family back to Terrace where they established other businesses and had their fourth child, Elaine.
Life in Terrace provided Julia the opportunity to entertain and explore her diverse interests. She was a member of the Kinette Club and the Hospital Auxiliary, she took carpentry classes and she produced oil paintings. She was a skilled seamstress and a beautiful model for her many fashion designs. Anyone who was lucky enough to be invited to a dinner party at the Little residence, would have experienced her gracious hospitality. Her home was welcoming and expressed her signature style. An experience at the Little home was one for all of your senses; from the aroma in the kitchen, the views from the living room, the laughter and clinking of silverware and crystal, you knew the night was choreographed by Julia. Her natural beauty lit up a room and her sharp wit was elegantly delivered. She was loving and charismatic and naturally became a second mother/grandmother to many people. Her home on the hill was bustling with local and out of town visitors. All of her family will fondly remember an overflowing house at Christmas and Easter.
Julia was a modern woman in so many ways. After the passing of her husband in 1989, she continued to be an avid traveler in the Caribbean and Oceania. She often went on these trips solo, for months at a time. She helped maintain the family's rustic cabin at Lakelse Lake and had no problem chopping wood and fetching water into her late 80's.
She enjoyed passing on her knowledge and experience to her children and grandchildren. Julia maintained her elegant style and her sense of humor until her late 90's . She was grateful for her full and adventurous life. Julia's legacy with be remembered with loving hearts.
The family would like to thank the staff at Terrace View Lodge,the Terrace Community Health Support Workers and Michael Prevost for their kindness and care of Julia.
As per Julia's wishes, the family will be having a small, private memorial.