Born February 16, 1945, died peacefully October 1, 2011, surrounded by her family after living with Alzheimer’s disease for ten years. Born in Duncan, BC, she chose Victoria as a home for most of her life. Alison received her Bachelor Degree of Science in Botany from the University of Victoria in 1969 and remained an avid gardener and lover of all plants and animals. She was also very active in the local folk music singing community and was a voracious reader. She had a special connection to the outdoors, particularly her beloved Thetis lsland, a love that she shared with her family. She was predeceased by her parents, Lorna and Jim and is survived by her sister, Di; her brother-in-law, John; her husband, Tom and his sister, Maureen and her daughters, Lorna and Emily. Alison was a loving mother, affectionate friend, and an integral part of the Winton St. and Union Rd. neighbourhood. The family would like to particularly thank the support workers at Kiwanis Pavilion, the nurses on 4B South at Victoria General Hospital and Alison’s honourary daughter, Jen.
A Celebration of Alison’s life will be held on Thursday, October 6th at 1:00 pm at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, 3939 St. Peter’s Rd, Victoria, BC. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion, 3034 Cedar Hill Road, Victoria, BC V8T 3J3 and that those attending the service feel free to wear bright clothing. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
-
yves nainguy
-
Bev Taylor Lorna, Emily, Tom, and Di
I have just returned from a tour of South America. I received an e-mail while away that told me of Alison’s passing. I was unable to respond nor attend the service. I’m saddened with the news. Alison and I remained friends for many years since high school. I did not expect this news so soon. It’s been a couple of years since I last visited her in the Kiwanis Pavilion and despite her loss of speech and limited mobility she was still Alison…twinkly eyes and a giggle. Thank you Lorna for the phone call and let’s try and connect. Thinking of you all and the loss.
Bev
-
Maxine, John and Brian Dell Dear Tom, Emily and Lorna
We were very saddened to learn of Alison’s passing. I will remember her fondly from our fun days at Braefoot, then happily working at Swan Lake and researching at UVic where she and my husband often worked together. We often ran into each other on walks along the Cedar Hill Golf Course trail and even when her health was deteriorating she always smiled and said hello. The boys and I send our sincere sympathies to you all – our thoughts are with you.
Maxine.
-
Deborah Nyberg Dear Tom, Di, Lorna and Emily,
I’m so sorry to hear of Alison’s passing. I will always remember Alison as a very bright, kind and graceful young woman. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her. My sincere condolences on your loss.
Deborah Nyberg
-
Evelyn Hoffman I’m very sorry to hear of Alison’s death. I was her Patrol Leader in Guides and she was my Seconder. I really enjoyed her company even though we rarely met as adults. She was a lovely person.
-
John Hoddinott Dear Tom,
Synchronicity can be tragic. Since retiring to Victoria I had recently been thinking “What happened to Tom and Allison after they left MUN to return to Victoria?” Sadly I received part of the answer when I read Alison’s obituary in the Colonist today.
Please accept my condolences for not having caught up sooner and for the loss of Alison.
John.
-
Susan and Terry Barnett Dear Diana, Tom and Alison’s daughters,
I was so very sad to read that Alison has passed away.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. I remember Alison as a beautiful, gentle, intelligent young woman. I will never forget attending her wedding at Queenswood. She is with her Mom and Dad now and at peace,
Susan and Terry.
-
Janice Hayes I am heartsick about Allison. Her journey has been so difficult for her and all of you. I have had health issues of my own which is why I haven’t been there. She will always be in my heart.
Much sympathy to you all.Janice
-
Larry Haviland Deepest Sympathy to the Alison Family.
I have many fond memories of Alison and the girls at the hair salon.
My thoughts are with you all.Larry Haviland.
-
Janet Yuill I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Tom and Alisons daughters and families at this difficult time.
I have fondest memories working with Alison at Hallmark cards she was a wonderful person and I am honoured to have known her. We ended up being neighbours living on Palmer road.
She was loved and will be missed.Jan, Rick and family
Jan Yuill (Former Manager of Hallmark Cards)
Duncan.
-
John N Owens I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to Tom and Alison’s family and many close friends. She was my first one and one of the best honors students at Uvic, now almost 40 years ago. I remember her, as most of you do, as an always very bright, friendly and cheerful person and an excellent student who loved the subject of botany. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Prof. Emeritus, John N Owens
Jomtein, Thailand
-
Val Kinnear Di and family, you are all in my thoughts at this difficult time. I only knew Alison through what you shared of your sister Di, and I know that she was very special to you. I am so glad you were able to spend so much time with her this summer. I know she rests in peace now and am sure she is reunited with her/your parents. Keep the good memories in your hearts.She is free now and am sure will smile down on each and everyone of you.
Val
-
kate thwaites My sincerest condolences to the family at this difficult time. i had the pleasure of knowing Alison when she was a member at Pathways Alzheimer Support Day Program. Alison was an amazing, warm, compassionate soul whose eyes spoke volumes when her lips no longer could. We laughed and smiled a lot over those months and i will cherish her memory always.
Kate Thwaites
-
Colleen Campbell Remembering Alison and wishing I could join you to celebrate her life. She was a gentlewoman. Thinking of you, sending love and prayer as you set her spirit free.
Colleen
-
Cheryl & Rob d'Estrube We are both very saddened at Alison’s passing.
Our fondest memories are of our times together at some great dinner parties and sharing child raising adventures and funny stories of the family’s pets.
The past few years of her life seem so unreal to us and we can only imagine the difficulties that faced all of the family. We will remember the good times and remember Alison as one of the brightest stars we were lucky enough to know.
Our thoughts are with you, unfortunately we cannot join you on the 6th, but we are with you in spirit.
Tom you are always welcome at any time.
All the very best to you,
Rob & Cheryl
My sincerest condolences to the family