A life well lived .. une vie bien vécue
Lucy passed away with dignity and peacefully at Glenwarren Lodge in the early evening on April 9, 2019 with daughter, Pat Hannah and husband, Brian by her side. She proved her strength many times over the last few years overcoming many health issues but the reoccurring pneumonia since the New Year became too much to fight any longer. Predeceased by her husband, Bob on February 12 2008, she is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Ottawa, Gatineau, Milwaukee Wi, Winnipeg, Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach, Abbotsford and Perth, Australia. Lucy was also Nana to many friends’ children. Family was important to Lucy as proven by nephew Paul and niece Dianne both coming to Victoria last May and July to see her.
The youngest of 6, she was the last survivor of the Larocque siblings; Gerry, Claire, Irene, Aurele and Bertha. Lucy was born in Ottawa, Ontario to French Canadian parents and went to an English school so was bilingual from a young age.
Bob and Lucy met in Ottawa in 1950 while he was on training at Station Rockcliffe and at the tender age of 17, she was married on September 1, 1951 with their only child, daughter, Pat, born on June 9, 1952. Bob’s Air Force career took them to postings in Goose Bay, Labrador, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Marville, France (1 Wing), Camp Borden, Halifax, NS and Victoria in 1969. Lucy was a Dispensing Optician for over 25 years, working at Eaton’s Optical for most of her career.
Her warm and genuine smile made her a friend to everyone who knew her with friendships lasting for over 75 years starting with school friends, Jeanette and Margaret.
Lucy’s hobbies included figure skating, bowling, fishing and harvesting clams and oysters with Bob on the beaches of Parksville and of course playing BINGO! They were both members of the Golden Rods and Reels for several years.
Lucy loved to travel, which included trips with Brian and Pat to Reno, Las Vegas, Jasper, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, Mexico, and Europe. Lucy and Pat enjoyed many Mother and Daughter getaways and celebrations and their last 3 trips were cruises to Alaska and California.
Her 85th Birthday was celebrated January 31, 2019 in style with close friends.
Special thanks to everyone at Glenwarren Lodge, particularly Nurses, Nikki and Quinn, where Lucy resided for the past 8 months and Dr. Dwight Forster who continued to be her family physician. Also gratitude and appreciation to companion, Debbie Lewis and good friend, Linnea Comolli, who spent time with Lucy in her last days. Thank you for all the calls and emails from family and friends to Lucy.
A Celebration of Lucy’s Life will be held on Sunday, May 5 at 2pm in the Sequoia Centre at McCall’s Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC.
Donations in Lucy’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army or the BC Lung Association.
Maman, toujours dans mon Coeur
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
30 Responses
I have very fond memories of working with Lucy for almost 20 years in the Optometrist Department of Eatons. She was a kind and generous lady who loved (!!) her family. She also took great interest in other people’s’ famililies, always making them feel very special to her too. She touched many hearts and will be sadly missed. Hugs to everyone who knew and loved her…..
Pat – now we know where you get your sense of style and joie de vivre from! I enjoyed reading your mother’s story. I have witnessed first hand the dedication and love that you and Brian had for Lucy. She was well loved and cared for. Lives well lived and no regrets – right?
Love to you both
xo
Mike and Deb Linehan
I was lucky to live next door to Lucy and Bob for several years on Princess Ave, Victoria. Lucy was the dearest neighbour with a huge heart. She loved life and her family. She will be sadly missed.
Pat and Brian, we are so sorry for your (our) loss. Nana was a beautiful person and I loved seeing the amazing bond you two shared Pat. We will treasure our many memories with Nana over the years.
Pat and Brian,
Words can’t express our sorrow at your (and our) loss. I will never forget my excursion to Chicago in August 1990 with Aunt Lucy to see “The Phantom of the Opera” onstage. It’s one of my most precious memories. She will be missed eternally… toujours en deuil. – Colleen and Colin
Dear Pat and Brian
So sorry to hear about Lucy. She was a very special lady. It sounds like she lived a full life with lots of travel.
Vicki
One of the most lovely and interesting women we have ever known. We only knew her for a couple of years, but so enjoyed her presence when we were together. Love to her family at this time. Remember that memories last forever.
Dear Pat and Brian,
Lucy will be greatly missed by all of our family. We will miss our weekly phone calls to her which has been going on for at least 25 years or more. Having her stay with us when she visited Ottawa on several occasions was a great joy to us too. We are lucky that all our memories are good ones.
Pat and Brian, you are in our thougts all the time. Take care, Paul and Kerry and family xxoo
Dear Pat and Brian,
I have such good memories of your Mom.She was a joy to talk with and always had a smile and kind word.May your memories be a comfort to you and Brian.
With our deepest sympathy,
Kathy & Terry Venning
Our condolences Pat, your Mom was able to live an extraordinary life! Such a beautiful lady, your special love and bond will last forever in the beautiful memories that you’ve shared.
All our love,
Victoria Chinatown Lioness