Avis Eola Vance

Peacefully at the Fundy Nursing Home in Blacks Harbour NB on Saturday, October 12th, 2024; Mrs. Avis Eola (Hanselpacker) Vance passed away surrounded by an abundance of love at the young age of 98. Born in St. George NB on August 16th, 1926, she was a daughter of the late William Kay Hanselpacker and Melvina "Bernice" (Patterson) Hanselpacker. Avis was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Avis knew from a young girl that her true calling in life was to be a wife and a mother. She met her first and only love, Norman, in her teenage years and they were married on September 3rd, 1943. Being a military wife, she followed Norm wherever needed, however, always knew that her heart and her family belonged in St. George. They quickly relocated back "home" and she settled into her role. She was a supportive wife and devoted mother to her five children. She was most content being home with her family and held down the fort while Norm served in WWII. She later helped to build their family businesses at Vance’s Garage and Vance’s Auto Supplies while also accepting the role as the Deputy Mayor’s wife. Together they built an empire, and even after Norms passing in 1995, Avis’s faith never wavered and she continued to overcome all of life’s challenges.

Avis will be forever known and remembered for her infectious laugh, humongous heart, purest soul, exquisite handwriting, love for the colour purple, and her 100% natural jet-black hair that most were envious of. She was an animal lover with dogs being of preference, however, no bird, squirrel, cat, or raccoon ever went hungry around her home. She lived for entertaining company and feeding all those who crossed her path –2 legged or 4. She adored seeing her grandchildren; nothing could replicate the joy displayed on her face as they walked through her door and they always left with a pocket full of Werthers Originals and $5. She lived a simple life and could be described as a home body- never having a driver’s license of her own, however could be easily enticed for an outing for an order of clams from Ossies in the summer or a drive through Piskahegan in the fall. You would often find her most content in her home- snacking on Ganong chicken bones while sitting in her favorite chair; the temperature too hot and her TV volume too loud, talking to her friend Hazel on the phone discussing the latest drama on their favorite soap "The Bold and the Beautiful".

Avis was the Queen of our family and will be forever missed by her children, Paulette (Bob) Kehl of Calgary AB, Gary Vance of St. George NB, Larry (Kim) Vance of St. George NB, Wayne (Diana) Vance of Canal NB, and Greg Vance of St. George NB. Cherished by her 15 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, and countless cousins, nieces, and nephews whom all adored her. Along with her parents, Avis was predeceased by her husband and the love of her life- Mr. Norman Grant Vance; by her siblings Joyce Lane, Nina Brunet, Merven Hanselpacker, Vera Smith, Hazel Hanselpacker, and Mildred Hanselpacker. Her Daughter-in-Law Ramona Vance, her granddaughter Terri Hall, her grandson Cale Vance, nephew Derek Smith, and special friends Hazel Saunders and Lydia Hanselpacker.

While living to be 98, it is no secret that Avis experienced an immense amount of loss throughout her life; She was known for her famous quote of being "ready for the hill" however she always continued to live on for those on earth that she loved so much, and we cannot thank her enough for her selflessness. It is a true blessing to have had her to laugh with, to learn from, and to love and be loved by her for so many years.

A heartfelt thank you to the Fundy Nursing Home, Eastern Charlotte Extra Mural Program, Ridgeview Manor, C & D Manor, Kindred Home Care, and also all those involved in her care throughout the years allowing her to live a joyful and comfortable life.

As per Avis’s wishes, cremation will take place. A funeral service in celebration of her life will take place at the Cornerstone Tabernacle Church in St. George, NB on Friday October 18th, 2024 at 2:00 pm with Pastors Gordon Cooke and James Berdan officiating, followed by the interment at the St. George Rural Cemetery. Please join us following the interment for a reception at the church, as Avis’s greatest wish would be to make sure all those that she loved left with a full belly and with their pants feeling a bit too tight. In memory of Avis and in lieu of flowers, donations to the St. George and Area Food Bank would be greatly appreciated by her family.