Inez Jean Alley passed away peacefully February 24, 2016 at The Douglas Community Care Home in Victoria. She was the beloved mother of Lindsay Hogue (nee Alley), Brent Alley and Andrew Alley, and was 92 years young. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Brenton G. Alley. Inez and Brent had lived in North Saanich and Sidney for over 25 years, before Inez moved to Carlton House in Victoria and finally to Douglas Care. She lived her life with love, dignity and grace.
Inez was born in Regina, the youngest of four children born to Ernest Edward and Gertrude Poole. She resided most of her early life in Edmonton, Alberta, although she attended Strathcona Lodge School for Girls at Shawnigan Lake, BC in her teens. When the war broke out, she moved to Montreal where she trained to be a registered nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. She was part of the “Greatest Generation,” and although not directly affected by WWII, the influence of it made her grateful for how lucky she was in life. It was there she met her husband Brent who was stationed in Ottawa; they were married in 1946 and moved to Vancouver where Brent worked for the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. Most of their married life they lived in either Vancouver, or the Victoria area. When Brent retired, they fulfilled their dream of designing and building their home, in North Saanich.
Inez’s greatest joy was helping others and visiting with family and friends. She loved hearing how her children and grandchildren were doing; a cheerful, loving mother who created beautiful homes and welcomed all who visited.
She is predeceased by her two brothers, John E. Poole, George E. Poole; her sister, Ruth Van Dusen (nee Poole); her brothers-in-law, John G. Alley, Patrick A.G. Alley and their spouses. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Her family wishes to express their thanks to the wonderful staff at Carlton House and Oak Bay Community Senior Care, who supported her in living independently for as long as she could, and at Douglas Care, who provided the compassionate care that she needed near the end of her life and also, to Dr. Brook for his valued advice and medical care over the past several years.
Mom (Nana) never lost her gentle sense of humor and remained grateful for small, everyday things, like hearing a story, reading a book, visiting with black Labrador dogs (the only real dogs!), or enjoying a bowl of vanilla ice cream (the only real ice cream!).
A Memorial Service in her honor will be held on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 1pm at Saanich Peninsula Presbyterian Church located at 9296 East Saanich Road, in Sidney, BC, (on the road to the Victoria International Airport, south east of the traffic circle). The service will be followed by a reception.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Jillian Carson
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Monica Siegel Brent and Barb I am so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting your mom Brent and thinking to myself, you and I share incredible mothers and we are so lucky! I am sure that you felt lucky to have a mother like her. I could tell in 5 minutes that she was special and different.
I know that you were very present and I am so sorry for your great loss. It is hard to believe I am sure.
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Julia Drake To Andy and family – Sympathy from Julia Drake and family.
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Elaine and Greg La Riviere Andrew and family – Sorry for your loss. Although we did not know your Mom, we can see that her life was very fullfilling; and she will continue to have a positive role in this world through her children and grandchildren. With Care – Elaine and Greg La Riviere
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Olive Moase Hi Lindsay,
What a strange coincidence! As a person who only reads the Globe and Mail on Saturdays, and who only reads obituaries with photos, I noticed your maiden name and a lady who looked somewhat like you. As I read on I saw Rob’s name. By then, I knew it was you, a next door neighbor in Sage Hall in 1971.
Condolences. My own mother died a year ago last October. She died two months short of her 90th birthday. Naturally, the family wanted her to live to celebrate her 90th. Instead, cousins came for an evening of family fellowship which included a celebration of her birthday in absentia.
Every good wish as you gather with family and friends to celebrate your mother’s life. May there be many fond memories to cherish in the future.
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Judy Dunsmuir Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you at this time. Inez was a remarkable woman & a dear friend. Love, Judy & Wayne Dunsmuir
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Greg Lanyon How wonderful for you all to have had such a long and wonderful connection. While mine was not at long I can say with full certainty that the connection never ends, sustaining you with an appreciation for love and beauty throughout your lifetime. How lucky to be your dear mum’s children. To wonderful memories.
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Dave and Alison Crerar We’re so sorry for your loss. Your Mom sounds a wonderful inspiration and you’ll have many beautiful memories to treasure. Biggest hugs, Dave and Alison
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Jean Hayley Inez was instantly likeable! She had that wisdom and humour that some are lucky enough to acquire through long experience and a positive outlook. My thoughts are with her dear family who must take considerable consolation in the fact that hers was a life well lived.
Dear Lindsay Brent and Andrew and your families . Your parents and mine had many years of fun times together . I will never forget running into them in Quebec City at Chateau Frontenac . We were celebrating our 15th anniversary . It as so much fun to see them there! Memories of swimming in their pool , always a joke or two told and generous plates of food . Inez and my mother Gwen were such great friends and they both provided a welcome place and an instant social circle when my parents retired to the island . I enjoyed our chats when she came to see me at my Physio clinic. Another Mum she was to me. May she fly off to be with her dear Brent and my father Gordon Ames . A beautiful woman with a very kind heart .
All my best to you all, I wish I could make it to her memorial but we are away celebrating my mothers 85 in Calgary . May her wonderful smiles light up the sky and allow you to remember all the fun times with your Mum. Love Jill Ames-Carson xoxo