Juanita Gosling

September 15, 1946 - August 14, 2024

Juanita Gosling, born September 15, 1946, in Abbotsford, BC, passed away August 14, 2024, at the Abbotsford Hospital.

Juanita grew up in Abbotsford, married her childhood sweetheart at 18 years old, had 4 children by the time she was 24. If anything, Juanita was born to be a mother.

Early in their marriage, Juanita, her husband Doug and their family moved to Prince George, BC. They were both learning how to be parents.

Once the kids were in school, Juanita decided to tackle the working world and soon found herself doing clerical work for the Provincial Government Agency office in Prince George.

Everyone loved working with her, she put everything she could into her work. It wasn't long before she was given the position of Assistant to the Regional Government Agency. She boldly accepted the task and almost single-handedly organized the Western Premiers Conference held in Prince George that year.

She represented the City of Prince George very well. In 1979 the family relocated to Dawson Creek where Juanita continued to work at the Government Agency office, only this time for the Ministry of the Attorney General.

Juanita and her family also spent 3 years living in Williams Lake when Doug's work required them to move there.

In 1988 the family moved back to Abbotsford, the kids were mostly gone by then, but a few would return for a bit now and then. However soon after, when they were all living out on their own, Juanita felt the urge to accept new challenges. After a short stint working at the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce, she was asked to become Director of Sales for Best Western Abbotsford. As if that wasn't enough, she also accepted the position of President of Tourism Abbotsford.

Coincidently, both her mother and her mother-in-law began to require help with their personal care, this did require a special ability, which Juanita accepted without question, she did so until their passing in 2010. The was an especially tough year for the family.

It was time to rest, after raising 4 children, supporting her husband, achieving very rewarding successes in her career, Juanita retired begrudgingly.

She enjoyed camping with the family in remote areas of the province. For several years the family wouldn't set up camp unless they were all alone in a remote area by a river or lake... back then, that was possible.

She became a fabulous cook over an open fire. She learned to hunt and fish with Doug. And yes, it was true, she often out fished her husband. The family lived on wild game and fish for several years; not because they had to, but because Juanita prepared such delicious dishes.

In these past recent years, Juanita suffered several serious medical conditions. Despite being in excellent physical health all her life, she began to become weaker and passed away quickly with her loving family at her side.

Family and friends are invited to attend the funeral service on Saturday, August 31st at 1:30pm at Gladwin Heights United Church, 3474 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford.