It is with sadness we announce our Mom’s passing on January 12, 2023.
She married the love of her life, Quinton, in 1959 who preceded her in death in 2007. Mom will be missed by her proud sons Wesley (Kimberly), Warren (Dale), and grandchildren Olivia, William and Leah. Sisters Florence, Valerie, and Maureen and many cousins, nieces and nephews will also miss her. Mom joins her big sister, Lennie, in Heaven.
Family and dear friends were Mom’s greatest treasures in life and known by all who knew her.
We wish to thank all who visited Mom during these last years and her Thursday morning coffee group for their friendship. Mom’s family physician Dr. Chow, and the staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital deserve our recognition and appreciation for her care and making her comfortable in the final days.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Vivian Chan Costa
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Brenda & Michael Crockford Bertha’s church family meant a great deal to her. She worked amazingly hard with the ladies circle, especially when preparing crafts for our annual bazaar, but my fondest memory is during the Two Saints Messy Church Spring Break camp when she welcomed all the children and made coffee, tea and muffins for any visiting adults. Bertha will be sadly missed.
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Margo and Michele To Wesley, Warren and your families,
It saddened us to read of your Mom’s passing.
We both have many fond memories of your family and remember your Mom’s smile so well and her warm and friendly ways.
Both your parents were a huge part of the wonderful neighbourhood we grew up in and we feel fortunate to have you as our neighbours.Margo and Michele (nee Clapp)
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John and Marilyn Bate Dear Wesley, Warren and your families.
We are very sorry to learn of your Mom’s passing.
We are very grateful our paths crossed in life with all of you. Your Mom was amazing as was your Dad. Now together again in peace.
Just know our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Most Sincerely
John and Marilyn Bate
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Hugh and Marguerite Fraser Marguerite and Hugh Fraser
We wish to convey our condolences to Bertha Mar’s family. She was such a helpful and friendly person. We played Rummikub together once a week. We miss her.
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Sandra Abatis We are deeply saddened for the loss of Bertha
You have our deepest condolences
May she rest in the arms of angels
Sandra Abatis and Family
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Ryland My condolences to Malcolm and family during this difficult time.
I will remember Brenda as a constant rock of kindness, sweetness, and full of positivity. Rest easy Brenda.
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The Cross' We are very sorry to hear of Bertha’s passing. She was a wonderful, friendly neighbour to us for 60+ years! She will definitely be missed by all who knew her. Our deepest condolences to Warren, Wesley and families.
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Cliff & Marilyn Dear Warren & Wesley & dear family of Bertha Mar, Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of your Mom, Bertha. We were their backdoor neighbours and watched you grow up in such a loving family. Bertha & Quinton were so proud of you all. Bertha was a very kind lady & loved her garden. We had some wonderful conversations in our gardens. Bertha came from a wonderful family & was always sharing kind things that her Mom & Dad were involved in. My Mom & Dad were involved in the Lions Club & cared for Bertha’s parents who were in the Chinese Lions Club. We moved to a town home & missed seeing Bertha. We send our love & caring wishes. Sincerest sympathy, Cliff & Marilyn Wilkins
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The Belcourt family We are grateful for the time we had to meet Bertha. From what we felt and observed and the comments here, she was a pillar of positivity in our neighbourhood. Bertha was the first person to welcome us to the street and always lingered a bit when we came out or pulled up to learn more about us and just be neighbourly. In our short time together, Bertha left an imprint in our hearts for her kindness and curiosity. We just started to learn more about your family and history here in Victoria. Thanks to Bertha and Wes for opening up your home and hearts to welcome us in. We will miss your Mom! May her legacy live on with those of us who remain and keep the street friendly and welcoming.
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Karen McIvor Bertha was always warm and welcoming at St. Peter’s Lakehill Anglican Church and could be counted on to help when there was an event that required work in the kitchen. She was kind and thoughtful, and will be missed.
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Sheila Elizabeth Simpson On behalf of the Rector , the Council and congregation of the Anglican Parish of Two Saints (St. Peter’s Lakehill we send our most sincere sympathy to Bertha’s family and we celebrate her life as an integral part of our congregation for over 30 years. Her service to our community is legendary, a helping hand and benefactor in all our endeavors ..her faith inspired us all. We have all lost our Church (and city) historian as no one had the memory recall of Bertha. We all will remember her fondly and give thanks to God for her life within our community. Rest in Peace dear Sister.
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Helen & Larry Wong Dear Wesley & Warren and your families.
We have been thinking of your mom, as we were used to seeing her at some of the socials in the Chinese community, and have gotten into the habit of giving her a ride as we live just a few blocks away.
Of course, we knew your grandparents Phil and Leah, her parents for many years because we belonged to the same church.Your mom had such a generous, kind and thoughtful way about her. We know she had a good life, and was always thinking about her family. She was so gracious, and has left this world a much better place because of who she was.
We will miss her, but know that her legacy of her life lives on in her family.
Deep condolences for this time of sadness for your family.
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Rhonda (Renning) Talbot Warren, Wesley and Families:
I am deeply saddened to learn of your Mom’s passing and offer my sincerest condolences.
Wesley had just left after his holiday visit when we last chatted. She enthusiastically described how wonderful a visit they had had, eating delicious food and visiting family.
Visits with your Mom were always enjoyable, complete with a cup of tea. Many years ago, tea would be served with a homemade muffin or cake and she would frequently send me out the door with a jar of homemade marmalade. In recent years, although a little frail, her bright smile greeted me at the door, welcoming me in for, as always, a cup of tea. Occasional telephone calls were cheerful and engaging.
She was so proud of her boys and beamed when describing her grandchildren’s accomplishments.
A lovely lady, dignified, kind, helpful with a sense of humor, Bertha will be missed.
May the memories of your remarkable Mom help you through this difficult time.
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Gerry Duckitt I was saddened to hear that Bertha (always Mrs. Mar to me) had passed away. Our family, the Duckitts, lived next door. Quinton (Mr. Mar) worked on our house. They and their sons, Wesley and Warren, were wonderful neighbours. Life later took to me to SE Asia. The Mars and I kept in touch. Whenever I came back to Canada I would have dinner with them and the neighbours who lived across the street, the Densons (Alice and Bill). Memories of those dinners will remain with me forever.
Mrs. Mar was a wonderful person. She was engaging, a good listener and had a great sense of humour. I will miss her a lot. My deepest condolences to Wesley and Warren and to others of the family.
Gerry Duckitt
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Maureen and Bryan Teppin We first got to know Bertha 20 years ago when we moved into our house on Tracksell.
We have chatted together over the years when we have been gardening.
And she was always the leader with the Blue Box and garbage bins, so we always knew in the street what days to put the things out.
We will miss her cheery smile and the chats.
Rest in peace Bertha together with Quinton.
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Janice Baker My deepest condolences Wesley and Warren. Your Mom was a wonderful neighbour and delight to have known in my youth. I have many fond memories of growing up next door to all of you. I loved your Mom’s beautiful white Christmas tree and immaculate style. She was a loving Mom and grandmother and I know she was so proud of her family. I was blessed to have known both of your parents.
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Lorraine Lindsay Mrs. Mar was one of my Times-Colonist customers; on snow days, when I’d be out in daylight, she’d watch for me and she’d thank me for my service, which I really appreciated. Sounds like she had a great life! My condolences to the family.
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Claude Maurice Bertha had a great warmth, and sense of humour. She and Quinton were dear and generous friends. Tears, and smiles, to their boys.
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Greg O’Connor Warren and Wesley,
I was saddened to read of your mother’s passing.I enjoyed the many chats we had over the years usually discussing students,staff and parents of Doncaster School in the 70s.She was an astute observer of life who had a great sense of humour.I offer my condolences to you and your families.
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John Coombs and Lee Lynch John Coombs and Lee Lynch
I was fortunate to meet Quinten during the early 80’s as a supplier to some of his construction jobs and coincidentally bought a home just down the street from him and Bertha. Even more surprising, found out he built and installed our original kitchen cabinets. We always appreciated the time we spent with Bertha as she brought a quiet peacefulness in all her conversations with us over the years. Her welcoming smile and active listening made one feel she appreciated the exchange of ideas and thoughts you were having with her.
Our condolences to all the family.
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Kira, Joe & Barbara Kenny My family had the pleasure of knowing Bertha as a friend and neighbour for many years. Bertha was an incredibly kind person and her presence will be missed on our street. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss.
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Jeff Yada Dear Warren,Dale, Olivia, William and family,
My sincere condolences to you. I’m glad to have known Bertha and Quinton. I used to run into Bertha often downtown when she was working in a Dr’s office. She would be be in her crisp white nursing uniform with a beaming smile from ear to ear. She would always chat to me enthusiastically. Such a wonderful memory of someone full of life. My memory of Q is of a lovely quiet man whose lovely character slowly revealed itself to you as you got to know him. The saying “still waters run deep “ comes to mind.Together they have left a wonderful legacy.
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Lister Chen Cousin Bertha always kept in touch through letters. She told me of mutual friends we had and introduced me to some of my dad’s long-time friends. She had a strong faith that sustained her throughout the years. We will miss her and her concern for family and friends. Till we meet again.
Lister Chen
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Lister Chen I was shocked at Bertha’s recent passing. As her long-time friend, I will miss her greatly, especially her sense of humor and giggles at my teasing. I treasured her letters and phone calls. Rest in peace, my friend.
Joyce Divoky
(typed by Lister Chen)
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Mark and Judy Joel Warren, Dale, Olivia and William,
We were very saddened to hear the news of the loss of your mother, mother-in-law and grandmother. We send our heartfelt condolences to all of you during this difficult time and may your cherished memories give you comfort.
We also send our condolences to the rest of Bertha’s family and friends.
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Diane Kirby I was fortunate to have had the pleasure of Bertha’s company many times over the years. She was so kind to me on several occasions when I visited Victoria. She welcomed me into her home and took time to show me around. She also included me in a lovely family dinner at her home where I met some of the extended family. I always enjoyed my time with her. I know she will be missed.
My condolences to all the family.
Diane Kirby
I am so saddened to hear of your Mother’s passing Wesley and Warren. Our deepest condolences to you both and family. We were close cousins and kept in touch over 60 years. I will always remember Bertha and the good memories we had at our 40th high school reunion and other fond memories. She will be missed.
Fondly, cousin Vivian, Dan, Thoreau and Ibsen.