May Birley was a graduate nurse who served in France during World War I and she received The Croix de Guerre for her outstanding-service. May was always willing to aid an injured neighbour or a sick friend. After the War, May settled on her brother's homestead. She loved the Peace Country and later bought land from George Beatton for her own home. Her house was built by Jim McKnight and it consisted of an attractive living-room floor of narrow fir boards. A few years later, she was joined by her sister, Nina.

May was also actively involved with the Red Cross Society and church activities. In 1929, when Monica Storrs, the Anglican Missionary, arrived in the Peace River area, she stayed with the sisters.

The sisters later moved into town and purchased the Paling house. May died in 1965 at the age of 81.

Nina later moved to the Peace Country to join May, who had her own home. Nina was a gifted gardener. Her garden, modeled after English gardens, was an acre in extent. Their garden surrounded their house and consisted of flower beds, tree-lined driveway, borders, vines and lawn. Nina spent hours each day caring for her beloved plants. Her beautiful lawns provided an attractive setting for tea parties and Red Cross socials. Her children's parties are fondly remembered to this day. Nina was also involved with church activities. The sisters later moved into town and purchased the Paling house where Nina proceeded to beautify the grounds around it.

Ill health finally came to Nina. She passed away in 1959 after being hospitalized. Dr. Komar had a tree planted in Palestine in Nina's memory.