Born on March 11th, 1927. Did her last lap on June 21st, 2017. Mom, Mommsy, Mother, Nana, Mrs.C, Bobbie, Barb, Barbara, Auntie Bar and Dear big sis.
Survived by her family who absolutely loved her! Daughters Teresa Constable (Greg Litwin), Lynn Pollard (Hugh); son Patrick Constable (dollie!); adored grandson Sean Pollard (my Nana!); dear little brother, Jim Kitto (Bonnie). Ty Litwin (Marc and Devan Ward), Tabatha Bennett (Brent, Gray and Griffin). Nieces and Nephews, Rick, Kathy, Mike, Karen, Jamie, Bethe, Victoria Lynn. The wonderful people who always remembered mom, Larry Proke, Heather McDonald (Rhodes).
Predeceased by husband Charlie Constable (1981); bestie Isabel Osborn (Is); sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Rel Robert; parents Archibald Reginald and Mary Ellen Kitto; and many dear friends whom she gets to meet again!
Mom was a true lady, kind, considerate, giving to a fault, held absolutely no judgement of anything or anyone, funny, and a very dry sense of wit. Stubborn and hugely independent!
She was a wonderful mother most of all! She created many happy memories for us as children and as adults. She made everything a “special” time or event.
She worked and loved Miss Frith’s, David Spencer China, T. Eaton’s, where she worked off and on for eons, first the china department then they let her loose in leather and handbags, (she was the queen of china, crystal and all fine things), she always tried to gift people in her life with “a week’s wages worth!” special gift. She always said Eaton’s was great place to work at, with some wonderful people! Mom had a radio license!
There was always a fresh hankie or kleenex up her sleeve, “just in case”. And forever with a tea towel in her hand, (she once scared a big black wolf away with a tea towel! Yes, a real one!)
Mom loved her sports, (watching) especially auto racing, she was a fanatic! She never missed race day Sunday, usually with her and Pat yakking about it, there she was the perfect “lady” yelling at bad driving from a driver she didn’t particularly care for! She hardly ever missed a race.
Mom loved going for a ride, anywhere, to see anything, the journey was the fun part. Anytime, anywhere, anyhow! She lived in the city, in the bush, in a MoHo…any vehicle, motor cycle, plane, bus, car … you name it! At age 65, we have pictures of mom on a go cart, yep! Trying to beat her own grandson, who was a little guy then!
Mom and Is, her bestie, had a lot of adventures, they were hilarious!
In her later years, she slowed down a bit, she read a lot, and always had the crossword puzzle from Times Colonist handy, never missed a day (but Saturdays was hard and I did see her throw it across 2 feet in her front room because she couldn’t get a word, but she did in the end!)
A very special Thank You to all the staff that cared for her on this recent journey, we can’t Thank you enough for making her last time so wonderful! The nurses and Aids who escorted mom (even when they didn’t have too!) on her various tests etc. and Delta Hospital, Royal Columbia Hospital, Jubilee Hospital, Aberdeen Rehab … and yes, we all thought she was going home. Dr. Domke, Dr. Schachter. Fraser Valley and BC Ambulance, you guys/gals were wonderful. A shout out to “Barb” mom’s food lady at Jubilee, you always made moms day! She got wonderful care every place she went.
Everyone (and there were lots!) where mom lived for 30+ years, we thank you for every kindness you showed Barb, everyone said hi, hello and offered help or a hand. Thank you Sarg. and Ash … so much.
Our mother did not have much, but she always gave, little bits, listed below are her favorite charities, if you wish to give, please do.
Our Place, Victoria
Coventry House,Victoria
BC Cancer Foundation
Victoria Hospitals Foundation
Big Brothers and Sisters
Royal Canadian Legion
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Canadian Diabetes
Cancer Research Society
The Lung Association
We were lucky, very lucky Mom was with us this long, always “there for us” and still at 90 sharp as a tac. She never forgot a thing!
She will always be missed … but the memories of and with her will bring smiles, laughter and love forever. We love you Mom!
Barb and Greg always recited this Irish poem/ blessing, they both knew it (it made me nuts!)
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
Checkered flag mom, till we meet again, we hold you in our hearts
McCall Gardens
