Eleanor “Noni” Fowles (née Kneitl)

Our beautiful mother Eleanor “Noni” Fowles (née Kneitl) passed away in the early morning of Tuesday, June 7 at Victoria Hospice. Noni will be missed by all her family: daughter Cynthia (Mark), son Paul (Michelle), daughter Corinne (Dom) and son Dougie, grandchildren Danielle (Curtis), Cameron, Devin, Monica, Haydn and Callum, brother Ray Kneitl and family and granddogs Bubba, Bow, Bunny, Scooter, Chablis and Dexter.

Our heartfelt thanks go to all those who eased her end-of-life journey and especially to the caring nursing staff at Victoria Hospice.

Celebrations of Life will take place in Victoria and Toronto.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to BC Cancer Foundation, Victoria Hospice or any animal rescue organization.

  “Our Mother’s love was instinctual, unconditional and will last forever.”

Born in March 1939 in Toronto, Noni grew up there and in Scarborough. She married her first husband William (Bill) Curran in 1960; Cynthia was born in 1961 followed by Paul in 1963. She was widowed in December 1963. She married Douglas Fowles in February 1966, had Corinne in December 1966 and then Dougie in 1968.

Ahead of her time in the ’70s, she practiced yoga and encouraged her kids to eat brown bread – long before either was fashionable. Noni’s children appreciated that she was a homemaker, always there to nurture them. The family cottage in Muskoka (1978 – 2002) was a favourite place and in the summer, dinner often waited until after Noni had caught the last rays of sunshine on the deck.

Noni loved music. Elton John was her favourite artist and she saw him in concert several times with various family members. She loved singing too and enjoyed several years as a member of Heartland Chorus. Those experiences and the great friends she made through it were always recalled with fondness.

Animals were very dear to Noni and she loved all of her pets but her beloved dog Buster was her favourite. Her family takes comfort knowing that she is reunited with him (they have crossed Rainbow Bridge together; many pet lovers know what this means).

Noni relocated to Victoria in 2006, following Dougie and Corinne who had moved there in the years prior. Always a lover of nature, the milder climate allowed her to be outside more of the year. With her condo only a block from Beacon Hill Park, she was able to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and wildlife. She enjoyed many serene walks there; sometimes alone and sometimes accompanied.

Kind, caring, loving, thoughtful, generous, funny, gentle, compassionate … these are some of the words those who knew her would use trying to describe what an amazing woman she was. Her love for her family was unconditional.

Having always lived a life of moderation, Noni was a healthy senior. The diagnosis of a cancerous brain tumour in November 2015 came as a terrible shock to the whole family. Noni showed her grace and strength in the way she handled that six-month battle. Characteristic of her motherly spirit, she was more concerned with how this would affect her family than herself.

Rest in Peace, Momma. We will always love and miss you.

“Where there is love there is life.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Condolences to the family may be offered below.

McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com