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.
16 Responses
With the recent passing of a mutual friend, Barbara Waters (Gill) I cast my thoughts back to the times at UVic we spent together as a small group of friends. Alison was such a beautiful and gentle soul. Typical of friendships during University we drifted apart. Although seeing each other in glimpses from time to time. My sympathies go out to Tom and the family. I will always remember her with great fondness.
My sincerest condolences to the family
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
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.
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
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.