Shortly after joyously celebrating her 100th birthday, Lavonne passed away July 25, 2020.  Born in Victoria, BC, July 10, 1920 to Frederick and Mabel Purves, Lavonne was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters.

Predeceased by husbands Alexander Craigmyle (1983) and Ernie Wirtanen (2010), daughter Dereen Hildebrand (2004), son Robert Craigmyle (2017), Amanda Craigmyle (2019), infant grandson Alexander Hildebrand (1992).

Lavonne is lovingly remembered by sons Don and David Craigmyle, son-in-law Pete Hildebrand (Trish), and step-son Richard Wirtanen.  She was ever so proud and supportive of her grandchildren Sylvia (Simon), Meghan (Tony), Holly (Mark), Riley (Erin) and Breanna (Kelly) in their various pursuits and life accomplishments, and was thoroughly delighted by her great-grandchildren Carter, Jeanie, Declan, Oliver and Harley.  Lavonne cherished the love and support of her extended family.  She is dearly missed by Marion Craigmyle and fondly remembered by Kay Treadgold, many nieces, nephews, friends and her Sunrise Family.

Lavonne enjoyed a full career as a nurse and nursing instructor at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing.  Affectionately known as ‘Punky’ by her sisters and old friends, Lavonne had a knack for finding laughter in any situation.  She loved being a homemaker and hostess; she made everyone feel welcome, and fresh-baked goods were always stored within kids’ reach.  She enjoyed sewing, knitting and needlework, played a mean game of both Scrabble and Crib, and could whip up a costume for any occasion.  Lavonne loved the outdoors, particularly camping and sailing when her children were young, and later, lawn bowling and traveling.  Picnics were always a highlight.  She was honest, humble and generous, and spent her life caring for and supporting others.  The well-being of her family, extended family and friends was always her greatest concern.

Lavonne was loved and cared for by the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living for many years.

The family will prepare a special memorial in the future.  Flowers gratefully declined.  Donations in Lavonne’s memory, if desired, may be made to St Aidan’s United Church or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.

  • Harmony

    Don and Family,
    Lavonne was quite a lovely lady to spend time with. We had a few knitting session together here at Sunrise as well as she loved to tell me about all the children in the family. It was fascinating to watch her make everything from blankets to stuffed toys out of wool. I will miss her ripping around here in the hot rod chair.

  • John Gawthrop

    Don and family,
    Meeting Lavonne was to arrive at a serene pond already full of gentle ripples, which in her long life she generated and thus affected so many. Our choir received one of those when Don first joined us, and when Mum supported us for so long. Being able to give back at Sunrise was special for us. Yet every sunrise has a sunset and we shall remember Mum in the gloaming.

  • Lakehill Lawn Bowling Club

    The members at Lakehill Lawn Bowling Club were sad to learn of Lavonne’s passing.
    She was a valued member of our group for many years and a number of our long time bowlers have fond memories of her time with us. You have our heartfelt condolences.

  • Carol Munro

    Dear Don: To you and the family I send my sincere sympathy on the passing of Lavonne. I gather her 100th birthday was wonderful – even with distancing! So glad she was able to celebrate that special occasion. May you feel the love and comfort that comes from so many who cared for your mum, including me. Carol

  • Ria Korteweg

    My sincere condolences to Don, Sylvia, Marion and the family. Remembering Lavonne as a kind and gracious lady.

  • bev and luigi lise

    So sorry to hear of Lavonnes’ passing. Sincere condolences to all of her family.

  • Cean Legere

    Dear Don, I’m very sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Cean Legere

  • Peter Hildebrand

    It was sad to hear of the passing of Lavonne, my Mother-in-law.
    She was always such a gracious lady, and always welcoming to us.
    She will always be missed.

  • Patricia Heath

    Condolences, Don and Sylvia, Marion and family. Your mum and Grandmother lived a long and happy life surrounded by family that loved her. She was such a lovely lady and she was so good to her family. My memory of her will be at Sunrise Residence when our choir sang to her every Christmas.
    She would have Jeanie or Carter on her knee and would be enjoying the music so much. You will all miss her so much.

  • Judith Boulden

    Lavonne was such an industrious, caring part of our St. Aidan`s community and when she could no longer be a “physical“ part in that community, she was so lovingly shared with us through Don and Marion and our annual TBS concert at Sunrise. What a privilege to be part of her 100th Birthday celebration as we (almost) closed down Humboldt Street to celebrate her life and this milestone and she was able to be an active participant in that celebration. He life and memory will continue to carry on through her loving family, church community and many friends.

  • Tracy Middleton

    I’m very sorry for your loss Don. I know how much your Mom meant to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sylvia and Marion. Lavonne will be missed!

    Tracy

  • Don Wilkes

    Farewell, Lavonne. I shall miss your happy face in the front row when we sing Christmas carols at Sunrise. Surrounded by family and little ones,you made the season come home to me, and, I’m sure, the rest of the choir.

  • Breanna

    We love you grandma, fly high and kiss mom for me. Xox

  • Ernest J Cordonier

    Don and David
    My sincere condolences.
    May we all live to be 100 in good health.
    This ends an era of the Purves Clan.
    My sad respects.
    Ernie Cordonier

  • Peter A. Boldt

    I know how much you loved your mother and how much you did to make her happy. She is at peace and well deserved rest. Her memory will sustain you through these difficult times.

    May the presence of the Spiri of God sustain you and David.t

    You lived and taught to make teachers respected and I am proud of you and your accomplishments

  • Betty Anne Dempsey

    Deepest condolences, Don and Family…Lavonne was a very lovely lady who shared her life so beautifully and loved her family dearly. She will be missed…

  • Virginia Landucci

    It’s with sadness we accept the passing of Lavonne. Always smiling, always positive, always very loving and caring not just to family, but for those of us who considered her a special friend. Our Ted Boulden Singers Choir will miss our annual Pre-Christmas visits to Sunrise Residence on Humboldt to sing for Lavonne and the other residence. Many of us had the privilege to gather on Humboldt Street to wish her a Happy 100th birthday and witness her complete joy and happiness. It was a day all of us will remember. You were always a very classy lady, Lavonne, and may God surround you with the peace and joy that you deserve for a life well lived.

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