With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother, June Yelland-Carlson. Mum was born on March 20, 1934 in Boscombe Hospital, Bournemouth, England to hoteliers, Joseph and Nellie Palmer. She spent her early years in WW11 of which she had many stories, as it affected her whole life. Mum was the eldest sister to Christina, Paul, and David.
Mum always wanted to be a nurse and she trained at King Edward VII Hospital, Windsor, England as an R.N. There, she met her first husband, Peter. They married in 1956 at Christchurch Priory and in 1957, emigrated to B.C. By 1961, they settled in Duncan and over time, built their dream home, Tanglewood House, on Quamichan Lake. Mum joined the Duncan Musical club where she was an active member, both in front and behind the scenes. In 1969, Mum and Peter started the Polyphonic Singers, a hundred-voice choir. Mum returned to the nursing full time in 1975 and relished doing what she loved best. (Second only to being a Mother). In 1986, she met her second husband, Richard, through the Newcombe Singers and married in 1989.They had five years together at Tanglewood. By 1992, retired, she moved to Victoria to be near family. She volunteered at the Royal B.C. Museum as a Docent, but also worked in many departments and in April, will receive a twenty-five-year recognition award. Mum also joined Christ Church Cathedral where she thoroughly enjoyed arranging the flowers and being part of the Healing Ministry. She was also a patron of the Victoria Symphony and the Monarchist League, and she loved to travel.
Mum spent her last year at Mount Tolmie Hospital, where she was cared for by many fabulous people. Thank you to all of them!
Mum was predeceased by her husband Richard and survived by her four greatest pleasures and accomplishments, Elizabeth Yelland, Katrina (Carey) Cleaver, Sarah (Barney) Sharp and Melissa (David) Simpson; her seven grandchildren, Christopher (Kristen), Andrew and Nicholas Cleaver, Marie and Emma Sharp and Olivia and Sophia Simpson; three great-grandchildren, Cadence, Phoenix and Leighton Cleaver; her siblings, Christina, Paul, and David plus many relatives in England.
A Funeral will be held at Christ Church Cathedral 930 Burdett Avenue, Victoria, BC on Monday, April 30, 2018 at 11:00 am. A tea will follow at the Church.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Charles Taylor
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Heather and Peter Lord We are both sending our sympathies and condolences to the special daughters of June. We knew June and the girls when we emigrated to Duncan in the late sixties. June was very supportive to our family and we really enjoyed her friendship. Hugs to Elizabeth, Katrina, Sarah and Melissa.
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Brian It is with great fondness that I pay homage to Mrs. Yelland. A matriarch one of the five most beautiful ladies at the lake where she allowed her children’s friends to congregate, drink copious amounts of tea and build fond memories at Tanglewood. One amazing memory was upon their return from a trip to the UK, the girls brought back Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust”. It was heard for the first time in the Cowichan Valley. I was surprised after a month, Mrs. Yelland didn’t try to hide the album!
Yet the first impression was the most enduring; that of a lady of dignity, strength and grace. Mrs. Yelland was an influence in my youth far greater than she would ever know.
She taught myself, in her responsible way the need for respect and to stand always in dignity no matter what happens in life.
It was that memory of her that came to mind during my first invitation to be a guest at Buckingham palace. “No matter where you are; stand tall and with dignity”.It is that knowledge that I take with me every time I walk through a similar doorway.By chance, eight years ago, to my surprise, Mrs Yelland, stopped me in Save on Foods and once more I reverted back to the boy she knew. What I shared with her was my gratitude for all that she taught me.
Those who deeply loved Mrs. Yelland witnessed her strengths and challenges. May we all fondly choose to cherish the great influence of her light upon our days.
Brian
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Sue Moore I had the privilege of knowing June through the Healing Ministry at Christ Church Cathedral. She was a gracious, caring lady who always had a hug to share.
We will miss her presence in our parish.
Regards,
Sue Moore
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Kathy And Ed We were sorry to hear that your mom has died. I have good memories of early days with my cousin. Take care Girls. Memories last forever.Kathy & Ed York
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Debbie Smith Elizabeth, Katrina, Sarah and Melissa. I’m so very sorry to hear that your Mom has passed away. I will always remember her with a smile. Big hugs to all of you.
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Barry Ming Just back from China, so am sad to hear I won’t be able to visit you again to show you my photos or share a talk about your “wonderful life”. We had a great time at the Museum, especially enjoying finding a parking spot for your car, as you tossed me your keys when you came to ” work”. Take Good Care my dear friend, a dieu!
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Steven W. Basich I had the pleasure to know June over a number of years serving as a docent at RBCM. We also shared many of our mutual experiences in the medical field over tea in the Volunteer Lounge. She was a congenial and gracious lady who shall be missed by all who knew her, and enjoyed her conviviality. Deepest condolences are extended to her family at her passing. She lives on in all our memories.
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Walter Samann So sad to say goodbye to a most wonderful person. I still have great memories of my encounters at the Royal BC Museum with “the QUEEN”. She would know exactly what I meant and I can still see that amazing smile radiate across her face.
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Barbara Marshall I am so sorry to hear of June’s passing. She made me feel so welcome when I first joined the Royal B.C. Museum volunteers. We had many interesting chats as I had also resided in Windsor at one time. I have certainly missed her in recent times, but feel very grateful to have known her friendship.
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Loraleen La Porta It is with a heavy Heart, I say goodbye to this wonderful woman. June you always made me feel like part of your family, Like a second mom helping me plan and prepare for my wedding.sharing such joy in the arrival of our son. I’ll hold dear the times we drank tea together and loved going to your house to share in a glass of sherry.( Always in a lovely crystal sherry glass,of course!) Loved to hear your stories. Learning the proper way to curtesy, just in case (as you never know if you may run into the Queen!) You were a beautiful, classy lady . Witty and smart. Full of Love and caring ( which made you a wonderful nurse) I am in awe still, of how well you raised your four beautiful daughters into the wonderful and strong woman they are today.
Despite living through the horrors of war. Loosing your love Richard,much to soon. You always seemed to bring joy and hope into a room. Your face glowed with kindness and love to all. Admired your sternness and determination. Always keeping things proper”,always the lady.
You will be missed. But you will live on through the memories you gave the many people you have met along your journey in this life. I rejoice in knowing you. On this new journey may you be met by your love “Richard”, and all whom have gone before. I pray the ones you left behind find comfort in the good memories and love you gave them. May a lovely glass of Sherry in fine crystal ,greet you at the gate presented by your Richard. thank you June for your love and guidance in my life.
So sad to hear of June’s passing. What a beautiful, dignified, professional lady she was! I worked with her at the Cowichan District Hospital during the 1970’s and found we were kindred spirits, having both trained as Nurses in the UK and still amused by names we used for mundane hospital items here, compared to the UK: (counterpane vs. bedspread; flannel vs. face cloth; observations vs. vital signs; baaath vs. be-eth).
My sincerest condolences to those loved ones she left behind.