“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Carol Birdene Marcelle Rayfuse on November 27th, 2017.  Mum was in her 94th year, having been born in Ontario on January 14th, 1923.  Mum passed away peacefully, having battled dementia for a number of years. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Josephine, her first husband Vaclav (Vince) Liska and her second husband, Thomas Graham Rayfuse, Jr.  She is mourned by her daughters Martina, Carol-Ellen, Rosemary and Theresa, and her son Vincent (Connie). Mum is mourned by her grandsons Michael (Helena), James (Scott) and Patrick; her granddaughters Nerissa (Steve), Carmen, Alisha and Alexis; her great-granddaughters Brittany and Sara, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends scattered around the world.

Mum was a veteran of WWII, serving in the RCAF at No. 5 Bomber and Gunnery School in Dafoe, Saskatchewan. In addition to raising her children and caring for her family, she both studied and taught music and piano for many years in Victoria, BC and after graduating with her B.Ed. degree from UVic in 1975, she began teaching primary school.  Mum always enjoyed travelling and upon retiring from her teaching career, she took up travelling in earnest.  She crisscrossed the globe numerous times, touring on every continent including Antarctica, cruising the world’s oceans and rivers, climbing mountains, crossing deserts, and meeting and enjoying a variety of people, cultures, and customs along the way.

Sincere thanks to her daughter Theresa, who has been Mum’s “special rock” for the past few years, and to all the staff and caregivers at the Veteran’s Memorial Lodge at Broadmead for their warmth and kindness and excellent care shown to Mum and to her family.

 Rest in peace  Mum — 

you will be greatly missed and always loved.

A Celebration of Mum’s Life will be held on Friday, December 1st, 2017 at 2 pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. In accordance with Mum’s wishes, she will be cremated and at a later date, her ashes will be scattered at sea.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

 

 

  • Rob Kennedy

    Our Deepest Condolences to Teresa and family. It was such a pleasure to visit with you and your dear mom. She had such an adventurous spirit. I truly enjoyed our conversations. She lived a full and interesting life with you by her side.

    Much Affection,
    Rob Kennedy and family

  • Mark Pearson

    Theresa and family,
    Sincere condolences for your loss. It sounds like your mum lead quite an exciting and fulfilling life.
    Mark Pearson

  • Anne Vickers Langille

    I had the pleasure of singing with Carol and the “altos” at St. Saviours Church Vic West. She was a delight to know. How special for me to see her lovely smile again after many years when we joined the Church of Our Lord. She enjoyed “conducting” hymns and other glorious music while sitting in her favourite pew.
    May God bless and comfort her family and friends.

  • Steph Dionne-Davis

    To Family and Friends of Aunt Carol (Chick)……heartfelt sorrow and condolences. May you all find peace and cherish the memories of yesteryear. Much Love ………your Nephew Steph and Sister in law Rosalie.

  • Margo McIntosh

    Hi Theresa, (Margo McIntosh, formerly of The Wellesley) offering condolences to you and your family. I was sad to read your mom has passed. She had an amazing life. I will always remember her smile, the photo of her sitting on the ice looking at the penguins, and her enthusiasm for life! I could always count on Carol to stand up and dance with me when we had musical entertainment at The Wellesley. She holds a special place in my heart.

    Rob and Margo McIntosh

  • Valerie Davies

    To all of Aunt Carol’s family, we send our sincere condolences, our love, and prayers.
    We know that the memories of happier days will remain in your hearts. Valerie, Clair, and family

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