Vi spent her whole life in Victoria. She was the fifth child of 10 born to Barbara Rae and Horace Curtis. She went to school at Spring Ridge, George Jay, Central, and Vic High. In her early life, 
she worked at Wellburn’s Grocery Store, Scott and Peden, and the Dockyard. When her children were older, she worked part-time at Cablevision and Rogers Cable. She met her husband Lorne at a “Y” dance at the Teen Canteen in 1948 and was married on November 12, 1949. They were married for almost 70 years until Lorne passed away in October 2019.
Vi was predeceased by her sisters Grace, Edna, Vera, Barb, and Kathy and by her brothers Ted, Fred, and Rae. She is survived by her brother, Alan; her children, Debbie (Greg), Donna (Gary), Russ (Angela), Diana, Rick (Jodie); and her 11 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.
She will be remembered for the many expertly decorated cakes she created, her warm hospitality, and her delicious home baking which ensured her a houseful of family and friends throughout her life.
Thank you to Drs Fairhurst, Walton, and Vaughan who cared for her over the years. Special thanks to the staff at the Gorge Road Hospital who looked after Vi during the last 15 months of her life, the last nine months of which were particularly difficult due to the restrictions of the pandemic.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. https://alzheimer.ca/bc www.mccallgardens.com
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
21 Responses
To the Family and Friends of Vi Thornton, especially Debbie, Donna, and Russ, I was so saddened to hear of her passing. She was always hospitable, cheerful, and welcoming when I was over at the house near Oaklands and then later at the duplex across town. She also welcomed my mother who I know appreciated the chats and friendly respite from her busy schedule.
After many sleep-overs at the Thornton household, it felt almost like a second home to me and the friendship the family shared is still one of the warmest and most uplifting memories that I treasure.
You and your family have, and always will have, a special place in my heart.