Audrey passed away in Victoria, BC on March 2, 2014.
She is survived by her loving husband, Neil, daughter Janice (Murray), sons Michael (Bonnie) and Gerry (Sally), grandchildren, Chris, Andrew, Tyler and Arielle, great-grandchildren, Ethan, Alexander, Abigail, Ayanna, Maddox and many extended family and friends.
Born in Nanaimo, BC, on October 18 1933, Audrey graduated from Oak Bay High School. She then took training in Victoria as an X-ray Technologist. She met Neil on a blind date, and after a short courtship they decided to get married. He was posted to England at that time, so she travelled across Canada and the Atlantic to meet him in London, England, where they were married on December 17th, 1954.
Being the wife of a naval officer gave her the opportunity to live in many different parts of the world. They lived in England, Singapore, Australia, and then returned to England. Victoria was the next stop, but the family returned to England before very long. This was followed by postings in Winnipeg, Toronto, and Halifax. After several years in Halifax they returned to Victoria and then Neil was posted to Brussels to work with the NATO organization. After that they returned to Victoria, where Neil retired from the Navy.
However, the adventures didn’t end there. Together they travelled across Canada and the US with their 5th wheel and their constant companion, Yukon. This was followed by trips to China, New Zealand, Russia, Japan, and many parts of Europe. There was a cruise around Cape Horn and another cruise to Alaska and South-East Asia.
You can’t forget Audrey’s love of her dogs. Yukon was their first dog, followed by Jake and Buddy, who Mom referred to as “Mr. Pussycat” because he is such a cuddly fellow.
Audrey was a clever lady who enjoyed puzzles of any kind. She loved crosswords, Sudoku, and was a whiz at the Rubik’s Cube. She also followed other pursuits, such as curling, bowling, badminton, and many types of card games.
Their children all married, and Murray, Bonnie, and Sally were welcomed into the family. The family continued to grow as the grandchildren arrived. First Chris, then Tyler, Arielle, and Andrew got to know and enjoy their grandmother. Now there are great grandchildren: Ayanna, Alex, Ethan, Abigail, and Maddox.
Adventurer, wife, mother, grandmother, friend are some of the words that can be used to describe Audrey. She will be missed.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at Holy Cross Church, 4049 Gordon Head Road in Victoria at 2 pm on Saturday, March 8, 2014. A reception will follow at the church hall. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
18 Responses
So sad to hear that Audrey had gone. You will miss her terribly, we know. Please accept our condolences.
So sorry to hear about Audrey’s passing.She was such a great person.She will be missed.
To Neil and Family. Please accept my condolences, Neil. Audrey was a great lady and mother. Like most navy wives, she kept the homes fires burning while we were mothering the next young cadet/officer to the next dummy anchorage. Each had its own challenges. Audrey will be missed by all her many friends. I am one of them. With respects, your friend, Bill Draper
To the Boivin Family – Roger and I send sincere condolences to you. There are so many cherished stories about Audrey and Neil in our minds – mainly about incidents that happened during Roger and Neil’s navy days. We always looked them up on our rare trips to Victoria after retirement. Audrey will be truly missed. Bonnie
So sorry for you my Captain. All my condolences Rene
Gerry and Family,
I was very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. My thoughts and sympathy are with all of you at this time.
Susan Thompson
Neil and family,
I am very sorry for your loss. You were lucky to have Audrey for sixty years.
Rob Gray
Dear Neil,
You may remember me from the 1950’s in HMS Dolphin. Please accept my sincere sympathy to you and your family on the sad loss of Audrey.
As ever Tony Whetstone