It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of Mildred Ann Couvelier, who died peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on October 2, 2016 at the age of 88. Predeceased by her loving husband Mel and seven of her brothers and sisters, Milly will be fondly remembered by her sister Katherine, brother Grahame, children Richard (Christine), Rodney (Debbie) and Melissa Safarik (Gordon), grandchildren Kerry (Graham), Christopher, Jennifer (Girish) and Angelina, and great-grandson Daniel.
Born in Vancouver on August 19, 1928, the eighth of ten children, Milly met her future husband Mel at a baseball game in Washington. To those familiar with Milly’s enduring love of baseball, there could not have been a more fitting venue for her to meet the love of her life. Milly and Mel were married in 1949 and, after memorable stints in Ocean Falls and Coal Harbour, they moved to Victoria, where they raised their young family and became active members of the local community. In Victoria, Milly first assisted Mel in running Maplewood Poultry. Later, as Mel became involved in politics, Milly dabbled in entrepreneurship by running Couvelier’s Fine Apparel and her own coffee shop at Hillside Shopping Centre.
All the way through to her final days, Milly derived immense joy from life’s simple pleasures: taking a morning walk in her beloved Sidney, tending to her rose garden, avidly reading, socializing over a weekly game of bridge with her friends, enthusiastically cheering on her Blue Jays and, above all else, spending time with her family. Her quick wit, independent spirit and intellectual curiosity were infectious to all those around her and will be sorely missed.
The family would like to extend sincerest gratitude to Dr. Dan Buie and the Palliative Care team at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, whose compassionate care for Milly was greatly appreciated.
A celebration of Milly’s life will be held at 4:00 pm on Friday, October 7, 2016 at St. Elizabeth’s Church, 10030 Third St., Sidney, B.C., V8L 3B3.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made “In Memory of Milly Couvelier” to the Horticulture Centre of the Pacific 505 Quayle Rd., Victoria, B.C., V9E 2JZ.
Condolences and remembrances can be offered below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Loretta Boerkamp
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Michelle Leamy Dear Melissa: I was so sorry to hear of your Mom’s death. I know that you, Gordon and Angelina will find comfort with each other and your wonderful memories of your Mom’s love of life and her love for all of you. Take care of one another.
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Cliff McNeil-Smith Melissa, my condolences to you and your family on the passing of your mom. Milly was a wonderful patron and enjoyed her reading, be it current events or good novels, very much. She had a fine intellect and I always enjoyed chatting with her. I hope fond memories of your mom are shared with family and friends now and in the future.
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Penelope Chandler Adieu dearest Milly. Say a big hello to Mel from those of us left behind. Your beloved children will carry on your mutual legacy of service and dedication to community and family. We will all follow the same journey into the unknown as you have both now taken; would that we do it with the grace and courage that was yours. Blessings….
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Jane Kyle Missy, I was so sorry to hear about your Mom’s death. She was such an influence in our younger years on Campus Crescent. I always think of her when I twirl my spagetti as she taught me! Sending love and prayers your way.
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Antoinette DeWit Hello Melissa, I was so very sorry to see your mom’s obit in the TC this morning. This is no doubt a very sad point in your life and I hope you gain strength from the memories of the wonderful life your mom had with you and her loving family and friends.
Rick and Family,
Read the obituary in the paper. My Condolences, it really doesn’t matter how old you are, parting with your Mother is very hard.
She will be missed by all.
Loretta