Cicely passed away peacefully Dec 27, 2022 at Beckley Farm Lodge, her loving home for the past 8 ½ years. She was a truly remarkable lady and a wonderful mother, friend, sister, daughter, grandmother, great grandmother and wife.
Born in Victoria on Nov 3, 1930 to Edith and Edgar Rossiter, Cicely was the youngest of 4 children (siblings Larry, Patricia and Gweneth). She married Geoffrey Meek in 1953 and was a navy wife for many years, living in a number of places including Halifax, England, Scotland and Malta.
In 1970, Cicely returned to Victoria with her 4 children and worked for many years at the McPherson library at UVIC where she particularly enjoyed book repair and binding. In the mid 1970’s Cicely met Bill Spriggs and spent many happy years with him travelling, beekeeping and gardening until she moved to Beckley Farm Lodge in 2014.
We are honoured to describe mom as a practical, resilient, strong, kind, non-judgemental, hardworking, selfless, positive, thrifty and enthusiastic woman. She was an animal lover, interested in everyone she met and led by example but never lectured.
She was happiest in her garden and when she was with family.
Cicely is survived by children Tony, Su Cameron (Don), Tanya and Sarah Lee (Calvin), 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous extended family members.
We would like to sincerely thank the staff at Beckley Farm Lodge who cared for our mother with patience, dignity and love.
Rest in peace, Mom.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Broadmead Care Society. Details for a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
16 Responses
My condolences to the Meek and Spriggs families. I knew Cicely when we both worked in McPherson Library. She always was very proud of her family. I liked your obituary as it really reflected on who she was. She was always so positive and helpful. I enjoyed my visits to her and Bill’s garden. She very proudly showed me around the garden. I got honey from her and spent some time visiting. I always felt so welcomed.
My condolences to the family on the passing of your mother. It has been many years since my first and last contact with your Mom and she is fondly remembered.
Cicely and Bill were the very best of neighbours when we lived next door on Edgelow Street. They were in their garden from sunrise to sunset. Cicely was always mowing the lawn. I remember telling her that she needed a headlight on her lawnmower so that she could see to mow in the twilight. They slept under an awning on their patio from spring to fall. Sometimes we had campouts with our kids in our backyard and we could have conversations over the fence in the dark. We had three babies during the time we lived there, and Cicely and Bill were among the first people to welcome them to the world.
I well remember sitting at a horticulture meeting with Cicely and she very matter-of-factly told me that she had been diagnosed with dementia. I didn’t want to believe that from someone who was so full of life and energy. We will always remember her sunny personality, and hope that she and Bill are working away in their newest garden.
Being in partnership with my first cousin Bill for so many decades gave Chuck and myself the opportunity to witness you and your amazing life together. Your energy, can-do attitude, work ethic and love of life and Bill shone through you. Your amazing garden was an obvious product of planning and passion. The time and work you both put into your beekeeping was another example of unflagging commitment. You created an extensive ongoing legacy through your wonderful children, and I’d say, lived life to the full. Trust you and Bill are continuing to explore and enjoy the heavens together.
Meek family my love and thoughts are with you. I worked with your mom for many years and throughly enjoyed her energy.
Sarah
My condolences on the loss of your mother. May she live on in your heart and cherished memories.