Our beloved Mami/Abuela passed away at home with her family in the early morning of August 29th, 2014. Her luminous soul touched everyone lucky enough to know her.
Les was born on February 24th,1930 in Banes, Cuba, the eldest of three daughters of Manuel Hernandez and Maria de los Angeles Herrera. From a very young age, she was interested in history, literature, music, politics and had a deep sense of social justice. She excelled in her studies at the Colegio Los Amigos and her brilliant mind and keen intelligence manifested themselves in all areas of her life. She met the love of her life, Robert Young, who worked for the United Fruit Sugar Co., at the age of 17 and Banes’ most beautiful girl married its most eligible bachelor a year later. They became Mami and Papi to four lucky children whom they loved unconditionally. While in Cuba, Mami was a teacher and the head of adult education for the northern part of Oriente province. Together she and Papi went through the Cuban revolution and later, disillusioned, in 1966, started a new life in Canada where they were united with Robert’s family.
Never one to sit idle, she quickly began working at the Royal Jubilee Hospital as a Dietary Supervisor where her kindness and wisdom were respected by all for the 20 years she worked there. She retired in 1993 to a beautiful home overlooking the Olympics and the ocean, built by her beloved son-in-law, John Payne, outside of Sooke, BC. She had the pleasure of living there with her family for over 20 years with frequent visits from her entire brood of children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and surrogate family.
Our adored Mami/Abuela had endless love for her family and large extended family. She leaves behind to carry on her loving traditions her beloved husband Bob; her children Janis and John Payne, Jeanne Young, Deanna (Roman) Young, Robert (Alejandra) Young; grandchildren and her great source of pride and joy Maria (Mike) Payne Boorman and Johnny Payne; and her great-grandchildren, who lit up her life, Spencer and Evelyn Boorman. Also, left to remember and miss her are her sister Daisy and family in Deerfield, FLA; her sister Dinorah and family in Cuba; her brother-in-law John Young and family as well as many other relatives around the world. Her friends and surrogate children and grandchildren are almost too numerous to count. Among them are her dear Libby, Rene, Jonathan, the Dixons, the Metaireaus in France, the Shoichets, the Marsh family, the Speedys in Ireland, the Pococks, Tasi, Zaira, Huguette, Heather, Tina, Sandrine, Andy, her much loved “girls” Colleen, Ginette and Marlee and her longtime friend Ava.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jeff Pocock, not only her doctor but dear friend, for his continued excellent care; Dr. Hilary Wass for her careful attention and positive spirit and her granddaughter, Dr. Maria Payne Boorman, who provided loving care to the end.
No service as requested.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Janis Payne
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Joan McConnell Dear Janis, John and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. I met her many years ago and remember her as a lovely and gracious lady. You were so blessed to have her in your lives. Take care.
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Marguerite Coleman I had the priviledge of working with Mrs Young at Jubilee hospital.. She was a delight to be with and I am sorry to hear of her passing and send my condolences to her family..
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Bonnie Macquisten Dear Janis, John & family: I was so sad to hear from Wendy that your Mother passed away on Aug. 29th. I know this is a hard time for you, however, in time you will be able to sit and reminisce of all the happy times to have had over the years. You were so lucky to have such a wonderful lady in your life.,
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Maria-Elena and Jon It was our pleasure and privilege to know Les. She was one of the special people, and her wonderful spirit was a gift to all. Condolencias a toda la familia.
Thank you all for the kind words.