~ She longest lives, who most to others gives, herself forgetting ~
Beverley Alice Thomas, nee Rogers, passed away peacefully last Friday. Her family lovingly surrounded her to ease her journey.
She is remembered and eternally loved by her husband, Maldwyn, and their four children, Wiley, Alex, Lily and Trevor. Their spouses, Marc, Dali and Miryam mourn her passing too. She leaves behind three beautiful and talented granddaughters, Lilian, Monique and Tessa. Her brother Gary and sister-in-law Jessie (nee Peard) Rogers, her niece Kelly, nephews Gordon and Murray, and many cousins in Canada and New Zealand will remember her fondly. She was predeceased by her mother and father, William and Roma (nee Johnson) Rogers of Salt Spring Island, and by her elder brother, Gordon.
Beverley led a wonderful life. This ‘redheaded robin’ from Salt Spring Island journeyed far in her 92 trips around the sun. She was an extraordinarily talented artist, one who has left behind a legacy that will be admired and enjoyed for generations to come. Her working life may have begun as an art teacher to school children in Vancouver and the Kootenays; however, her appetite for adventure would eventually take her on a back-packing trip through Europe. In Hamburg, Germany, she met and fell in love with fellow British Columbian Maldwyn. They enjoyed 62 years of married life together. His career as a Canadian diplomat took this intrepid and fun-loving couple to many interesting, and sometimes challenging, locations around the world. Wherever they landed, they forged fond and colourful memories.
As a family, we would like to honour Beverley’s open-hearted nature that had a positive effect on the lives of everyone she met. She nurtured many children, offering her home and her kindness. She was truly a mother to all. What will always remain timeless about Beverley is her quick wit and dry sense of humour. It will carry us all through the times ahead. Beverley’s family and her many friends miss her deeply.
A Funeral Service for Beverley was held in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 2:00pm, with the Rev. Canon Andrew E. Gates presiding. A reception will follow the service. For friends so desiring, a donation to the Red Cross in memory of Beverley, would be greatly appreciated.
Condolences to the family may be made below.
To view service click on arrow below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
29 Responses
Our deepest condolences to the Thomas & Rogers families on the passing of Beverley.
My heartfelt condolences go out to my dear Bev’s family. I have so many wonderful memories of Bev, her kindness, her talent and her wry observations on all that is humanity. I was telling a friend about her today as tears ran down my face, having noted Bev’s long life. My friend looked at me and said, it’s not the number of years she lived, it’s the sense of loss you feel. I think Bev would have agreed. Much love to you all. Jan Williams
I extend my deepest condolences to the Thomas and Rogers family. May you celebrate her beautiful life during this difficult time.
To the Thomas family,
So happy to meet Beverly with family, when we visited your home in Victoria some years ago.
With our warmest thoughts and condolences.
from the Borander family in Norway
Anne and Kristin
Dear Maldy and family ,
The Lette family sends condolences from Geneva, Paris, London and Bahrein.
We have so many fond memories of good times spent with you and Beverley over the years .
Bev was a beautiful and talented person with, as you mention, a quick wit to match her lovely smile.
Sending you much love and affection
Mrs T was my boss for three years in Düsseldorf. She mentored me in everything of value. I was with them until they left for Jakarta when Mr T was promoted to Ambassador. I then went to pursue my nursing career. We have kept in contact since. When I retired from my hospital job I was able to visit the family & spent time with them, with Mrs T especially reliving Düsseldorf. I will forever treasure the time, memories, the laughter, waiting for the visiting deer & the oh so nimble “Mockingbird” – hummingbird. I give thanks to your life with us. Thank you for the five weeks we spent together last Spring in your home. ‘Til we meet again.
‘
Wylie we are so sorry for the loss of your mother. Aubrey and I never had the pleasure of meeting her, but Myles did and has very fond memories of her. May her memory be for a blessing.
Condolences Marla and Aubrey
My first encounter with my new neighbour, Beverley Thomas, happened when she softly called out through my courtyard gate one summer day. She mentioned hearing little children’s voices from my home, and I commented they are my two granddaughters. Beverley was looking for playmates for her three lovely granddaughters visiting from Vancouver. Since the girls were close in age, from that moment on the five girls formed a close and playful connection which has lasted several years. Many of the playdates were held at the Thomas’ house with Beverley teaching art projects, and the annual Christmas gingerbread house decorating. Over the years I have enjoyed social events with the Thomas family and I have always felt very welcome. This past year I had the privilege of spending time chatting with Beverley and watching films together. She was such a dear soul. My family and I will miss her gentle, playful and compassionate manner. My heartfelt condolences to her lovely family.
Bev was such a wonderful woman. Kind , caring, loving, funny and so much more. She will be remembered by so many and her legacy will live on. I do remember all the times i went and visited and every time it was absolutely incredible. It was always such a pleasure to laugh and spend time with her. May she look upon us now and watch over us from above always.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beloved wife, mother and friend. Aunt Bev was such a talented bright light with such a wonderful sense of humour. She will be dearly missed by all…
Love,
Laura & Doug Craig