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
27 Responses
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.