Mary Lauretta Newell passed away peacefully, April 17, 2018, surrounded by family. She was born, May 29, 1929, in Montreal, Quebec to Herbert Thomas and Margaret Mary Hynes (Maher). Lauretta was one of five children with brothers Herbert, Gordon, Leo and Ronald. While in Montreal, she worked as a stenographer for the T. Eaton company and a law firm. She married Thomas Patrick Newell and they moved to Calgary where she served her country with the 41st Service Battalion Army Reserve. They also spent two years in Germany before the family settled in Victoria.
Early years in Victoria were spent in Saanich where Lauretta worked hard taking care of a small acreage complete with livestock, orchard, vegetable garden, a menagerie of dogs, cats and budgies, and a wounded seagull whom she called Sailor. Later on, life was enjoyed to the fullest in Fernwood where she continued with her love of gardening and thrived surrounded by family, especially her grandsons. Her last 18 years were spent in an apartment in Fairfield where she enjoyed independence and mobility, wonderful neighbours and friends and a rich and full life.
Lauretta leaves behind her youngest brother Ronald, along with her three children: Toni, with husband John (Parris); Colin, with his wife Andrea (Giles); and her youngest, Lisa. She also leaves three grandsons: Neil, William, and Ian Parris, along with five great-grandchildren: Maddie, Caitie, Ava, Hazel, and Oscar.
Many thanks to the loving care and empathy of the professional staff at Royal Jubilee Hospital. Very special gratitude to nurses Terri, Misha, and Lindsay along with Drs. Ashmead, Glen and Percy.
“Mom, you are sadly missed, fondly remembered, and never forgotten.”
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Claudia Boorman
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Brendan Holden Colin:
On the death of your mother, I wish to express my condolences to you and your sisters. Please advise if you have a funeral or memorial event.
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Lyn Hancock Thank you and so glad her life and her passing up and on was shared with such a wonderful family. Memories live on. Lyn Hancock
It was a real pleasure for me to get to know Lauretta even a little bit at family gatherings. She had an engaging and active mind, and I enjoyed hearing her stories and memories. We are so very sorry to hear of her passing. Our sympathies go out to her extended family and friends.