~ 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
My deepest condolences to Maldy and the Thomas family!
I met Beverley a few years ago during a day trip with friends to the Japanese gardens on Mayne Island. The encounter with her made a lasting impression on me. I will forever cherish the memory of her on that lovely afternoon.
Eva Kinderman
When I first met Berverley in Tourtour, France, she impressed me with her friendly, witty and funny comments about a local artist’s paintings. Because she was far too modest to talk about her own art, I only learned much later that she was a highly talented artist herself. It was this combination of modesty, kindness and spirit that characterised Beverley’s personality. It was a privilege to know her and I share the deep sadness of Maldy and his family.
We offer our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the whole family. It was an honor to meet Bev here in France and also most of her immediate family. Our thoughts are with you all on Saturday.
Our fond regards to you all.
Rob & Lynne Kendall
My condolences for such a great loss. I had the privilege of having had Bev as my godmother. I have so many fantastic stories in Belgium, France, Canada spending time with her. She showed me so much about art, and I remember how she always challenged me to try new things. The thing I will always treasure the most where her stories. She would tell me about all her crazy adventures around the world. I always thought she was a gifted story teller. I will miss her so terribly.
Please let me know if there is anything I can do
love
Thomas Williams
To the Thomas Family,
Our condolences on the loss of your beloved Beverley, (wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt) an amazing talented woman. Bev’s paintings are so beautiful. The times that I spent with Bev were always very special, she is an inspiration to many, and she will be greatly missed. Bev will always be with us in spirit and through wonderful memories.
With deep sadness, Bruce, Darlene Seligman, and family
To the Thomas & Rogers Family
Its with profound sadness, we’ve learned of Bev’s passing. Our matriarch with an incredible artistic talent along with enjoying or telling of a good story, will be missed. Bev shared her life of Maldwyn & children with all of us & for this we will be forever grateful. Life is a book of many chapters with stories of which we hope each of us will ponder & hold near & dear to our hearts. May these memories & stories provide all of you with the strength to move forward. Cousins Ross & Katherine
The Anderson family send our deepest sympathies to the Thomas family at the loss of their dear Bev.
All the comments are a testament to how beloved she was and she will be dearly missed. She was always curious, teaching what she knew, a creative bohemian spirit.
I’m grateful that we got to paint and draw and laugh together. Frances Anderson
It has been an honour and a privilege to know Bev for these past fifteen years. Her quiet demeanour often hid a shrewd observer and a dry wit, but mostly, her natural modesty concealed her formidable artistic talent and creativity. I think of the skills, the strength and the mettle she must have possessed for being a diplomat’s wife and a mother for all these years, uprooting herself and her family to set house in yet another part of the world, running the home, assisting her husband in his social obligations and of course, raising their children – and still finding the time and energy to develop an amazing artistic production. What a life… I am so glad that she was surrounded by the love and respect of her family and friends right to the very end. Rest in peace, dear Bev.
Dear Maldy & family
We are deeply saddened to hear of Bev’s passing. This is a great loss for everyone who knew her.
Thinking of you & sending our love.
Barbara, Reyer & family.
I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Bev’s passing. My greatest memory of Bev is of her extraordinary laugh- full of joy and it always made me laugh as well, even if I didn’t always understand the joke (Bev and mom used to laugh a lot- and understanding anything through their laughter was nothing short of decoding the Enigma code). My parents still has some of her art up in the house- she was a terrific talent and knew how to capture a feeling through color and light. I’m sending you my wholehearted condolences to all of you. Lots of love. Emily