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
In a busy Victoria restaurant a dear lady started smiling over at our young daughter. The lady was Lucy and thus began a beautiful friendship. We were only in Victoria for a summer but it was so enriched by Lucy, Pat and Brian. The kindness they showed led to a long (sadly long-distance) friendship that has lasted since. She will always be in our thoughts and memories. “Go gcoinni Dia i mbos A laimhe thu” (Irish for: May God hold you in the palm of his hand.)
Our sincere condolences go out to Pat & Brian. Lucy had such a great smile that radiated her world, and that of those who she encountered everyday. A bientot Madame Lucy.
B.J. & Winnie Roberts
Pat and Brian! Lucy and Bob were my friends since 1951 in Ottawa. We may not have always been close in distance, BUT we never lost track of each other. MY life was richer because they were my “FRIENDS”. The memories I have of our times together are priceless. More recently my frequent phone conversations with Lucy were SPECIAL. I phoned her about 4 days before she left us and she told me then, “I am SO tired. I just want to go and be with Bob” .. Lucy was so afraid of spoiling your trip to Mexico, Pat & Brian. That was typical of Lucy, always concerned for others. This dear lady was well loved and will be greatly missed. Go with GOD, my dear friend.. We shall meet again sometime soon ..”Somewhere over the rainbow”
Hugs “Dave”
Dear Pat
It is such a huge loss in our lives when our Mother’s are no longer here to share our lives. I know you were very close with your Mom and she will remain forever in your heart. I was saddened when reading Lily’s email since I, too have a close relationship with my own mother who has also been a constant in my life. There is a special bond between mother’s and daughters. My condolences to you and your family.
A huge hug to you.
Gaylene
Thank you for the great memories Lucy. RIP
Xo
Pat, Brian and family, may you find comfort in the days, weeks and years ahead with the memories you have created with Lucy, she truly was one of a kind.
I will treasure the time I had with Lucy, it felt like I had known Lucy for years from the first day I met her, she was a beautiful lady, inside and out…..she will be missed by all those that had the pleasure of knowing her.
Pat your bond with your mom was AMAZING!!!!!! I see where you inherited your generosity and kindness.
xoxo Deb Lewis
Pat and Brian,
Pat , you were lucky to have such a strong loving bond with with your parents and they were blessed in you as a devoted daughter.
I know that in recent years you travelled on many memorable trips with your mother. You were all fortunate to share these experiences.
Your mother lives on in you Pat. I know you will miss her terribly.
May you and Brian find comfort in your good memories.
Amanda Mills
So very sorry to have heard about Lucy. As I have told Pat, I know of no other child as devoted to her parents as Pat. I hope you are proud and happy for that wonderful devotion.
I knew Lucy since the 70’s and from time to time had occasion to have Lucy in my car. I always played French music and she loved it. She would sing along and was always so happy.
There were many times in my life when I was directly helped by Lucy. She bought a car from me when I was selling cars. From where she lived, she could watch me working and realized I didn’t have a proper coat for our climate. She bought me one.
But Mostly, I was enriched just knowing Lucy and Bob and of course Pat & Brian.
Pat and Brian, so sorry for your loss of course, but know because of the bond you had with Lucy; the trips, pictures, you will hang on to those wonderful memories for all time. A loss of a mother is the worst, you will talk with her still; think of her always and wish she were here to share more…..she was so thankful to have a daughter like you Pat and of course couldn’t have asked for a better son in law. She was a beautiful, strong woman Pat, apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!
Love Cathy and Wayne
Dear cousin Pat and Brian. Glenn and I are so lucky to have spent many great visits with aunt Lucy in Victoria. In 1970 when Glenn and I took the bus out west the fishing trip for Glenn up island with Bob was special but, I lucked In going to the beach with aunt Lucy hearing stories of my grandparents and having your mom spoil Lee. Pat, many a great memory over the years was carved over a glass or two of wine. God Bless you Pat and may the happy memories remain forever in your heart and help you at this difficult time. Love Dianne and Glenn.