May 24, 1924 – July 23, 2015
Daphne died peacefully early Thursday morning following a brief stay at Victoria Hospice. She was predeceased in 1987 by her husband of 33 years, George Walter Baldwin (1928-1987), and is survived by her children Andrew (Karli), Elizabeth (Anthony), Matthew (Susan) and Jennifer (Michael); grandchildren Anastasia, Luke, Samuel, Ewan, Eleanor and Thomas; and cat Pepper.
Mum was born and raised in Oak Bay, graduated from Norfolk House (1941) in a class of 6 girls, attended Victoria College in Craigdarroch Castle (1941-1943) and, after a hiatus of five years, completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English at UBC, where she met George. They were married in 1954 and moved to Prince George “for two years” – which became 47. Her time in Prince George was spent raising her family, to whom she was devoted, and caring for the many family pets over the years. She had a wide circle of friends, and maintained contact, by her indefatigable letter-writing, with relatives and childhood friends all over the world. Despite being, she alleged, shy and reserved, she was involved in a number of local activities, serving as chairman of the library board, Girl Guide commissioner, and in various capacities with the Alaska Music Trail, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, the Concert Society, and St. Michael’s Anglican Church. She also served provincially on the Library Development Commission and the Heritage Trust, and was a judge for the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for books on local history. She and George were also involved with the grassroots movement that led to establishment of the University of Northern British Columbia, and she was a loyal supporter of the university even after she left Prince George. In 2001, Mum moved back to Oak Bay, to the address of her childhood home, though she rebuilt the house. She enjoyed the intellectual and cultural activities in Victoria, and was a strong supporter of the Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Royal B.C. Museum, among many others, and a steadfast member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church (Oak Bay), which she had attended as a child. Throughout our lives, all of us received the benefit of her patience, her unstinting and unconditional love, her gently-expressed disapproval, her support, her impeccable manners and her wonderfully gentle sense of humour and fun. It seemed the kettle was always on in Mum’s kitchen, and the tins full of home baking for all who visited. She exemplified grace, dignity, and loving kindness.
We would like to thank the Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria Hospice staff.
A funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Oak Bay (Elgin Road) at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Anglican Church, the BCSPCA, Knowledge Network, or Pacific Opera Victoria.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
32 Responses
Having been introduced to Daphne by her longtime friend, Barbara Watt, I knew her only briefly. But I will never forget her beautiful smile and cheery greeting whenever our paths crossed at St. Mary’s Church concerts and bookstore, ChurchMouse.! I will also remember how graciously but firmly she spoke at our Bishop’s workshop upholding the importance of the survival of our church community. A great lady, May she rest in peace.
Elizabeth Laugharne
Sorry we’ve been out of town at this time, but our condolences and good wishes go out to you from afar. As her neighbours, we always enjoyed our conversations with Daphne. We will miss her.. Hope you find comfort in many special memories….
To Andrew, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Jennifer –
What a wonderful testament to, and for, an exceptional lady. I remember the cups of tea, the gentle art of learning manners at the Baldwin family table, and the wonderful knowledge of the language of flowers that your mom taught me. Thank you for sharing her with this world. My prayers are with you and all your family at this time.
Dear Elizabeth
On behalf of all the Gelman family I send all our love and sympathy on the passing of your Mum. You are very much in our thoughts at this time. We know how close you were to your Mum, who we remember as a kind, gentle and dignified lady.
With all our love
The Gelmans
Thinking of you Elizabeth and of course, your siblings. Wishing you a showering of blessings from loved ones.
xo Alison and Aidan
We extend our heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of Daphne.
Especially we hold in fond remembrance all the wonderful occasions hosted by Daphne and George at the Baldwin home. For so many years, these were something special to look forward to in the Christmas season.
We remember Daphne’s generosity, kindness, good humour, and gentility. And we send to all of you warm thoughts of caring.
To Andrew ,Elizabeth, Mathew and Jennifer and your families please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear mother
Sincerely
Peter Chance
What a testimony. The obituary and many condolences speak of what a special woman Daphne was. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Louise
Our condolences, Elizabeth and Anthony, on the passing of your mother. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. An amazing woman indeed. With love, Dan and Angie.
Dearest Elizabeth,
We were so sorry to hear from Anthony of your mother’s passing. We know how close you were and know what a huge void her passing will leave in your life and indeed in the lives of all the family. You’re moving obituary spoke volumes about the kind of person she was – I wish we could have met her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family at this sad time- wish we could be there with you. We send you big hugs and much love.
Raymond and Elsa