June 2, 1944 - November 11, 2018
With much sadness in our hearts we announce the passing of our most beautiful and cherished mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, cuz and friend. Maxine was born June 2, 1944 to David and Priscilla Nelson in Port Essington BC. Maxine left us on 11:11 2018, the Angel number.
She is survived by her spouse Harold Smith and her children Joseph Nelson (Joanne), Jennifer Nelson, Cynthia Wunderlich, Loni Wunderlich and her stepson Ian Andrew. She is predeceased by her son Gunter Ernst Wunderlich whom she has joined in heaven.
Maxine was the worlds greatest grandmother to Candice, Dillon, George, Jennifer, Jalen, Daylon, Sage, Hunter, Kyle, Skye, Jonathan, Rhythm and Anthony John. She was also a great grandmother to Josh, Taylor and Clayton. Maxine was also the adopted aunt and grandmother to many, many members of the community. Her door was open to all of those in need.
Maxine was the granddaughter of Charles and Emma Nelson who were one of two indigenous families living on the Skeena in 1905. Charles was a high raven chief (Xpiliha) and had dealings with George Little when settlers first arrived in the area. Emma Nelson was presented with a scroll to commemorate a long life of continuous service to Country, Province and fellow citizens as a pioneer citizen who resided in BC before July 20, 1871, when the colony became a province, she lived to be 105.
Maxine was also a matriarch to the House of Guam (Ko'om) high Raven house in Kitselas. Chief Guam was leader of the raven clan and the Kitselas (Gitselasu) people in the early 1900s.
Maxine was Tsimshian Royalty. In her younger years, Maxine was chosen to be Ms. Nelson Bros. in the Miss PNE Beauty Pagent, she was very proud to have been taught proper etiquette by the well known "Iona Campagnola" for this honor.
Being raised in a commercial fishing community she could always be found collecting and sharing seafood and like many others worked for a number of years in the cannery. Her contagious laughter will be forever heard in our hearts and sorely missed along with her beautiful smile. She will never be forgotten. Maxine will always carry the spirit of AMA Muk s'm Gaxx (Beautiful Raven).
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