Beryl died peacefully after a courageous battle on August 26, 2018 in Victoria, BC. She was born on January 20, 1930, in Leicester, England.
Predeceased by her husband Dennis in 1982. Beryl is survived by her children Ian, wife Gail and Michelle, her sisters Marjorie and Sylvia, their respective husbands Ian and Bruce, sister-in-law Doris and many nieces and nephews.
Yes, these are the basic facts of a life lived.
There is so much more to the vibrancy and colour of this life.
She grew up at a time when “all the pink bits on a map our ours” a true child of the British Empire. A survivor of the travails of the Depression when hard work was not enough. Onwards into a world war. A place where the windows of the home rattled as if in a high wind. No, it was Luftwaffe bombing the city. Difficult years of rationing and searching for the weekly special. Such things make for one awesome shopper!
Down in the bomb shelter school lessons continued. A love of reading and books. A gift passed on to son (Ian) and daughter (Michelle). An extraordinary faculty for mental arithmetic. No calculator or other electronic equipment required!
A traveller to places far and wide. The organizer of the annual family holiday. Destinations chosen, routes to travel, tickets purchased and a lunch prepared. All wrapped up in packed suitcases standing at the front door. A display of spectacular organization.
Joy found in simple things such as going for a car ride and catching lunch at a local restaurant. Always ready with a laugh dashed with a sense of mischief!
A lover of cats both domestic and pedigree. Cats always completed the family home.
Coming, going and returning to Canada. Standing firm in her adopted homeland when her husband (Dennis) suddenly passed away. She continued to encourage her son and daughter in their education and careers.
The health declines and a long courageous battle against these “slings and arrows” to the very end.
Always positive and cheerful throughout a life well lived. Rest in peace Mum, rest in peace.
In all things remember this from poet Mary Elizabeth Frye:
“Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand on my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.”
There are many tales to tell and a Celebration of Life for Beryl will be held at the following location on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 2:00 pm:
St. Michaels and All Angels Anglican Church
4733 West Saanich Road
Victoria, BC
A reception will be held afterwards at the Fireside Grill, 4509 West Saanich Road.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BCSPCA Victoria Branch.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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SYLVIA & BRUCE HALL
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Caroline Clarke Michelle and Ian, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. She was intelligent, strong, funny and loving person. She will be very much missed and I am sure will be always remembered with love and kindness. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
Caroline Clarke
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Sharon Minkley Michelle and Ian, our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Beryl was such a bright and positive person. She will be missed.
Sharon and Bruce
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David Bamford (nephew) and Jill A much loved Aunt who was full of fun and mischief despite her failing health in recent years. I remember the good times when as a family with my Mum and Dad and sister we used to visit Aunt Beryl and Uncle Dennis when we all lived in Leicester. I only wish I could have seen her more in later years but the distance precluded this. It was lovely to see how Aunt Beryl embraced Jill into the family who enjoyed writing and receiving long letters swapping the news.
Rest in peace Aunt Beryl – you will be sorely missed.
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Pamela A MacKenzie September 1, 1028
My thoughts are with you Michelle. Your mother was such a positive person and full of life. She will be missed.
Pam MacKenzie
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Schlegel Family Definitely in God’s much better graces as she always had this positive attitude, even in her ailment.
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Lynne Potts No words can be said to ease the pain. I am so sorry for your loss but know my thoughts are with you and your family.
Lynne Potts
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Cheryl Freeman This is a wonderful tribute of who your Mom was, Michelle.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your family’s loss.Cheryl Freeman
Michelle and Ian – We feel so sad for you both at the loss of your Mum, Beryl, who was our beloved sister and friend.
You did a wonderful job Michelle looking after Beryl when she was so ill – no-one could have done more for her.
She will be loved, missed and remembered always by her family in England.
Our love and very deepest sympathy to you both
– Auntie Sylvia & Uncle Bruce