May passed away peacefully on April 8, 2025. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Predeceased by her husband, Paul, of 65 years, and daughter Paula. She is survived by her son, Nelson (Daisy); granddaughters Amanda and Kimberly (Aaron); brother Frank (Geanette), sister Mary, and many nieces and nephews.
May was born and raised in Victoria, where she lived all her life. After graduating from Belmont High School in 1950, she worked for 28 years at the Royal Bank. She stopped working in 1961 to raise Nelson and Paula and went back to work in 1972. After May and Paul retired in 1989, they traveled to many faraway places, enjoying cruising with friends and relatives. She loved to ballroom dance, golf, and play bridge. May spent much of her time tending to her many flower beds and backyard garden. She also loved to sew and knit, volunteering her time to knit baby sweaters and hats, which she donated to the gift shops at RJH and VGH.
Thanks to the caring & supportive staff at RJH and the staff at Berwick Royal Oak, where May resided for the last 2 years. We also greatly thank the staff at Douglas Care for their kindness with May’s palliative care.
May had requested no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Chan” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Arlene Blackwell
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Lorne Chan I will remember the welcoming and kindness of Auntie May and Uncle Paul. We were always greeted with a friendly hello and welcomed to come in for a tasty drink or snack. We all had fun times at Yeah Yeah and Yun Yun’s family gatherings. Our hearts go out to the family for your loss. A special thanks to Nelson, who kept us updated on Auntie May’s condition. She would have been very proud of you by being there for her when she really needed you. Sending our love from our family to yours. Lorne and family
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Alison W. Sing This is Aunt Nellie C.Sing eldest son, Alison. I remember fondly Auny May and Aunt Mary’s visit to Seattle to see their sister, Nellie. As kids we were told to go outside and play while the adults visit. I just remembered how young and beautiful my two Aunts were.
p.s. I have been retired since 2005 and I am now 78 years old living in Lynnwood, WA (Snohomish County)
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B. Lowe Nelson, Daisy and family: We are so sorry at news of the loss of your Mom/grandma….
We have fond memories of both Auntie May, of her personal warmth, interest and friendliness.
She and Uncle Paul always had a kind greeting when we met at a family function or even in a chance encounter around Victoria.Big hugs!
Barry and Becky
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Pat Chew Nelson, Daisy and family,
Your Mom will be remembered fondly with her quick smile and soft voice filled with sincerity and caring. I still remember when I was about 10, Auntie May came to visit my Mom, Betty and Auntie May took me shopping. We went to Woodward’s and she bought me this little purse with flowers on the top. I had that purse in my memory box until 1970.(since 1954) Aunties May, Mary, and Lena would come over to visit Betty and we took the ladies to have Lunch at River Rock before they boarded the bus for Victoria. My Mom, Betty said those were good times with her sisters.
Rest in peace, Auntie May
Pat and John Chew, Victor and Jenny Wong, Michael and Mary Wong, Joe and Doreen Wong and our families.
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Dale Jasper May was a wonderful neighbour and friend we would go out for Chinese food once or
twice a month. She always ordered the same food. She enjoyed her home and garden which was always kept neat and tidy. She will be missed.
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Firdaus Yon We only met her once and shared a few days when she and Paul holidayed in Malaysia in 2012 but it was enough to leave us with fond, everlasting memories especially of May. We will always remember for her infectious bubbly spirit and her zest for life. Our condolences to you, Nelson, and your family.
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Janice McDonald Nelson, my thoughts are with you and your family.
I have very fond memories of Auntie May, definitely her smile and just how kind and caring she was. Every time I saw her she would ask about me and my family and very sincere about it.
Cherish your own memories, it will help you through this difficult time.
Janice xo
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T Kenward Nelson..
Was so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing.
It is hard at first but think of the good memories, the things that made you smile and the things that made your Mom smile.
After all these years..thinking of my mom makes me smile..
Hope you can say the same ASAP.
Terri
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Joe H. Wong ( Betty’s youngest son ) Rest in peace Auntie May
Our Deepest Condolences to Nelson, Daisy & Family,
I will always cherish the many family gatherings at your home on Irma Street, Aunty May loved to bake and there were always wonderful tasty treats. She had a beautiful smile, with an infectious giggle, especially when my Mom & her got on the phone, they could talk for hours! Happy Memories, which I hope will help you through this difficult time. Sending our love and thoughts,
Arlene & Rob