April 24, 1924 - February 8, 2017
Jill Salter passed away peacefully and lovingly surrounded by all of her children on February 8, 2017, in Penticton, B.C. Jill is survived by Nita & Howie (Robin, Tony) Robyn & Steve (Norah and Emily-Jane,12 and Kaitlynn, 9, Zander and Danielle, Jasmine), David (Jaclyn, Amy), Brian and Sue (Jessie and Josh, Nellie, Clara), Nicola and John (Chris and Steph and Oliver 3 months, Andy, Robyn), sisters Marge, Esther, Audrey, Ruth, and brothers Jim, Paul and many nieces, nephews and family members. She is preceded in death by Rev. Derek Salter, and her young son, Tony.
Jill was born in Penticton to Hugh and Joyce Leir. She was the middle child of 11 siblings and had a happy free childhood spent playing in nature, drawing, painting, riding horses, and enjoying the friendship of many who she has kept in touch with her whole life. Jill graduated as a Registered Nurse from St Paul’s Hospital in 1946. She married Derek in 1947. She always wanted to marry a farmer and she did although he eventually joined the Anglican Church as an ordained minister so her life was filled with faith and devotion to church activities. Jill and Derek lived in many communities in British Columbia, Saskatchewan and England. They eventually built a home and a wonderful place to share at Lime Springs in Okanagan Falls. They became faithful members of St Barbara’s Anglican church.
Jill developed her talents and gained a reputation as a watercolor artist. A year ago she accepted the life-time achievement award from the Penticton Arts Council. She devoted herself to learning new methods of painting that augmented her natural skills but she was also a natural teacher and friend to many who shared the love of art as she did. She brought together her interest of nature and appreciation for Okanagan landscapes by creating over 800 paintings that can be seen in homes across Canada.
Jill loved to engage in lively discussions of a spiritual nature and she also loved gardening, swimming in Skaha Lake, picnics with friends, parties with family and friends. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She rode horses, loved pets, birds and wildlife, she shared the produce from her garden, played the piano to enjoy herself, could throw a fun party and always had the tea pot ready to share with anyone who dropped in. She was a dignified lady but she was also happy to get her hands in the garden soil. She loved to dance and be silly but she didn’t hesitate to share her opinions about serious matters such as the protection of the environment, healthy eating, parenting, and playing tennis. She and Derek joined family and friends for summer vacations and winter holidays in Mexico. They travelled to Africa, England, the U.S. and across Canada. We will miss our loving mother and Nana but feel reassured she will be reunited with Derek and Tony.
Jill’s funeral is scheduled for Friday, February 17, 2017 at 2pm at St Saviour’s Church, 150 Orchard Ave, Penticton with a reception to follow at the church hall. The Rev Rick Paulin will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Jill’s life. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at The Concorde and Westview Place, Penticton for the loving care and support to family. In lieu of flowers
please consider a donation to the
Penticton Art Gallery or Penticton Arts Council.
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