We are so sad to announce the sudden passing of our DeeDee on September 28, 2019 at age 63. Words cannot express how much we will miss her.
Denise grew up in Victoria, BC, went to nursing school and pursued an amazing 31-year career primarily as an Operating Room nurse. She was completely dedicated to her work at both Victoria General Hospital and The Jubilee. Her compassion and knowledge comforted and helped so many.
Denise loved to be with her family and friends and was always there for us. She was so enjoying her retirement that enabled her to spend more time with family, her knitting friends, her nursing friends, her long-time friends, and those who were new. She was painting and drawing again; she loved to explore second-hand stores (usually finding treasures for others) and going to concerts and movies. DeeDee also loved her home and being there with Herbie.
Denise is survived by her husband Herbert Johal of 29 years, her brother Fred Davis (Terry), her two sisters Terri McCallum, and Candace Dunkley (David), and her niece and many nephews who all loved her very much.
Predeceased by her parents Frederick and Lucille Davis. We know that DeeDee will be wanting to see them again.
You’ll always be with us DeeDee!
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome at the BC SPCA.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Linda Motchman
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Kathy Morris I am one of the many who already miss you Denise! Never in doubt as to what you were up to, always clear in your dealings with others and so often crazy funny! I was looking forward to shared times in retirement; sad it’s not to be. Your passing is a reminder to me to treasure those special colleagues who’ve shared the rich and rewarding life in the OR.
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Carla Odé Dear Denise,
I will miss you at coffee on Sundays. And I will celebrate your memory from our working days! You were a strong and very dedicated nurse. You ran that OR desk like the Iron Maiden! But your compassionate side always shined through with your love for animals, family and friends. I was so happy to see you enjoying retirement; I’m extremely sad that you got so little time to enjoy it. With you I spirit, Carla Odé
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Barb Boisvert Denise was always one to make me laugh….always a smile on her face. She had a wonderful sense of humor and was always willing to share her opinions of matters of the world…usually making me laugh.
So sad to hear of such an early demise….she will be missed by her many nursing colleagues….me being one of them.
Barb Boisvert
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Wendy Jansen I was heartbroken to hear that Denise has left us and am so sorry for your loss. Denise and I go back many years and shared some amazing times together, one of the most memorable being travelling by train throughout Europe in 1976. There were also many camping adventures, hitch-hiking all over our beautiful island. We used to call her “mom” as she was the most level-headed and wise beyond her years!
Although we hadn’t been in touch much over the last few years I will still miss her very much.
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Tara Hilton I’m sorry for your loss and very saddened by this news..Denise was a good friend to me and I’ve known her for a very long time. I always looked up to her and valued her wisdom and knowledge. I’ll miss her very much, Tree.
Heartfelt condolences to Herb and family.
I knew Denise through the Crafting Group at Esquimalt Rec on Wednesday mornings. I didn’t know her very long, but I had been looking forward to her joining us again when she was feeling better. She was so friendly, kind, funny and had a genuine interest in other people. When she talked about Herb it was obvious how much love and joy there was between them. Family and cats came up in conversations quite a bit. She seemed to really enjoy her life. She leave behind a gap that will be hard to fill.
Thinking of you