Born February 26th, 1924 in Victoria, B.C, passed peacefully away on February 21st, 2011 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital after a short illness just 5 days shy of her 87th birthday. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Jon, son Calvin (Linda) and daughters Vanessa (Doug St. Arnault), Sabrina (Al Orton) and Charlayne (Phil Thornton-Joe). She was loved and known as “PuhPuh” to her grandchildren Blaine (Mary), Darrin, Kevyn and Melissa, “Tai Puh” to great grandchildren Iain and Claire, “Aunty Verna” to many, and was adored by all her family members. She was born into a large family on a farm on Cadillac Avenue, Victoria. She worked as a salad girl in many restaurants in Victoria such as The Poodle Dog, The Coffee House, The Apple Tree, The Oak Bay Marina, the Strathcona Hotel and The Harbour House Restaurant. For over 65 years she was a member of the Victoria Chinese Freemasons. Things that brought a smile to Verna’s face were her mahjong games on the weekend, the occasional trip to the casino to play the slots, the birds in her backyard, gardening and flowers of all kinds. She loved her family (including her granddogs), her many friends and music.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 26th, 2011 at McCall Brother’s Funeral Home at 1400 Vancouver Street at 11am. Internment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. Donations can be made in Verna’s memory to either the Victoria Hospitals Foundation or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. Dorothy Hamilton for many years of care, and the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital who looked after our mom. Verna will be sadly missed, but lovingly rememberedby a multitude of family and friendsfor her smile and her warm, kind heart. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
21 Responses
Dear Charlayne & family
I was so sorry to learn of your dear mother’s passing. Although I did not know her and only met her ever so briefly when you were giving Judy Fong Bates & I a tour of Chinatown, I remember your mother very well. What I remember was her brightness, There was such a sparkle about her eyes and warmth in her smile as she sat at the mahjong table enjoying her games & her friends. She made such an impression on me and was a lady I would have liked to have known better & I am sure you and her family and friends will always treasure times spent with her.
With sincere sympathy, Mary Gay