Elizabeth Svendsen (née Westra), affectionately known as “Els”, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 88. Born in Bathmen, a village in the Netherlands, Els emigrated to Canada in 1957 and made Victoria her home. A truly remarkable woman, and a loving mom, Oma, and friend, Els embodied kindness, courage, and a boundless curiosity about the world.
A lifelong learner with an adventurous spirit, Els delighted in traveling to far-reaching corners of the globe, meeting new friends and hosting students from many countries. She was a trained horticulturist who cherished time in green spaces, especially the Butchart Gardens. 
A sporty person, Els enjoyed tennis, hiking with the Outdoor Club of Victoria, cross country skiing, and walking around Elk and Beaver Lake. Els was an avid cyclist, a sport she enjoyed into her 80’s alongside her wonderful group of friends.
Elizabeth filled our hearts with love and will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren, family and friends. She was a positive influence who brought joy to our lives, and was an inspiration to many.
In remembrance, please consider making a donation to the “Elizabeth Svendsen Fund” at the Victoria Foundation, a charity close to her heart.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
15 Responses
Hi Bente and Kim
I just found our your dear mother and my cherished friend, Elizabeth, passed away a few months ago. Elizabeth was a true angel to me in my transition to Victoria…not only offering me a roof over my head but created a home and a sense of belonging in my new city. I will forever be thankful and I send you all my deepest blessings. Thank you Elizabeth for everything you did for me.
Dear Bente and Kim and family, we’ve all such loving memories of Els. She was always so welcoming, I remember her baking the cinnamon rolls in the mornings, making the home so cosy with that beautiful smell. Our Sincerest Sympathy on her passing to you, may your loving and much loved Mum rest in peace
Hello Bente & Kim,
I had heard about your Mom as it was very fortuitous that Robbie visited with you all on Thanksgiving weekend when he was over from Vancouver.
I have several memories of your Mom and your family from our years as neighbors in south Oak Bay.
I also remember ‘babysitting ‘you 2 back when you needed ‘babysitting’.
I always liked to ‘babysit’ at Christmas as I enjoyed the staghorn ferns hanging above the mantle and her colourful red cyclamens on the coffee table, something we never had at 16 KGT.I have cut out her obit and sent it to Robbie and he will have it in his mailbox when he gets back from Madeira on Nov. 15th.
Annie Boldt
Dear Bente and Kim! I have got the sad message that your beloved Mom has passed away. She was my dear friend for so many years and I will miss the regular Christmas and Birthday greetings from her. She was such a friendly and kind person. Now you have all the memories of a strong and sporty mother. I will send photos from my visit to Victoria in 1987 with the help from Kristin. I am sorry to say I cannot find any from the times she stayed in Norway in the late fiftys, I did not have my own camera. With love to you!
A beautiful tribute to your Mom. Our Mom’s were such good friends and we were all so lucky for that and the adventures, gatherings, connection, kinship and love that materialized from that friendship. Sending love, hugs and support your way. – Julie and Russ –