Moira died at home at the age of 84 in Victoria, BC. She is predeceased by Malcolm, her husband of 54 years (2013); and survived by her daughters, Melissa and Marianne (Andrew Clarke) and much-loved granddaughter, Olivia. Moira is also survived by her siblings, Brian Crawford (Connie), Dorothy Rider (George) and Brenda Crawford; her sister-in-law, Fiona Hyslop and brother-in-law, David Anderson (Sandra).
Moira was born in Moose Jaw, SK to Rose (Wirth) and Hugh Crawford. As a child, she lived in Calgary (where Moira always had happy memories of playing along the Elbow River) and Vancouver. Moira graduated from Crofton House School in 1953 where she formed lifelong friendships. While attending the University of British Columbia, she met Malcolm and they married in June 1959. In 1966 they purchased their heritage house on Telegraph Bay Road and never moved again. The house reflects Moira’s wonderful sense of style — antiques and curiosities, paintings, needlepoint, ceramics, and, of course, books. She loved her kitchen, which remained remarkably unchanged over the years. Gardening brought her great joy and was an outlet for her artistry.
After the girls were in school, Moira started a career in retail, working at the Salt Box, the Toy Shop and the Kitchen Shop before opening her own Village Books in 1980, originally in Saanich Centre and later in Cadboro Bay Village. Over the years, Moira had wonderful business partners and employees, not to mention hard-working shop dogs. The store was a place for book lovers to meet. Moira enjoyed hosting many author breakfasts and working with all the other independent booksellers in Victoria. She sold the bookstore in 1996.
Over the years, Moira had enduring friendships through book club, mahjong, bridge and gardening. She loved music and was a longtime subscriber to Pacific Opera Victoria, the Victoria Symphony and the Pacific Baroque Festival.
Her fifth bout of cancer proved to be her last. Moira’s final months were spent at her beloved house with her daughters and granddaughter. During this time, she was so grateful for the love, support, and kindness of friends. As she became more tired and weak, she loved to sit in the sunny living room, surrounded by spring flowers with a dog and cat nearby. She often said that she was content.
There are no funeral arrangements at this time. Please remember Moira in your own way, preferably in a garden or with a book in hand.
“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.” Cicero
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
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Linda Harvey
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Ann Ferreira Dear Melissa and Mariane, I am so sorry to hear of your mother’s death. She was such a lovely person and I have many happy memories of being with your family in the past. Your parents were always fun and kind. They are a great loss to everyone who knew them. My sincere condolences to you and the rest of the family.
With best wishes, Ann
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Judith Ann Sim I was so sorry to read about the passing of your Mom. I had some great Christmas dinners there and also stayed at her home for some time with your Dad and the cat & dog. I was the nanny for James And Zoe for a number of years. My condolences to you all. Judith Sim
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Kerry Mason and Jamie Morton Dear Melissa, Marianne, Andrew, Olivia,
Our heart felt condolences to you. What a wonderful person Moira was! It was always a treat to see her and Malcolm. They were such vital,interested and interesting people. Our eldest daughter,Sarah, has very early fond memories of the beautiful Anderson home, especially the doll house. We will treasure memories of the bookstore, book launch, brief sparkling conversations at parties and during the intervals at many musical and arts events over the years.
In sympathy,
Kerry, Jamie, Sarah, James and Charlotte
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Dean Henderson Sad to read of Moira’s passing. I occasionally pass by your home and fondly recall her gracious hospitality the summer I boarded there while waiting to rejoin my family who moved to Vancouver. Over the years it’s been good to occasionally reconnect and reminisce. Sincerely and with prayerful gratitude for her beautiful life. Dean Henderson
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Diana Life Melissa and Marianne,
I was sorry to read of your mother’s passing.
Moira’s obituary captured so well all that she was. Her picture was beautiful. She always had a smile whenever I saw her.
Your memories of Moira and Malcolm must be so wonderful.
My thoughts are with your family.
Diana
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Rosemary Evans Dear Marianne, Andrew and Olivia;
Our heartfelt sympathy at this very sad time. We are thinking of all of you.
Rosemary and the UTS Community
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Carole Sabiston Dear Family – To think your/our ebullient Moira is not here now has left such a void for all who knew and adored her.
I did not see her often, but when I did, the day shined. Moira had a light for each person.
As you know, Jim Munro, my late husband had great respect and affection for Moira in her Book Store pursuit. I loved seeing them chatting intensely over the ‘business’.
Malcolm and Moira were a precious gift to the Victoria community. They are truly missed.
Respectful regards – yours, Carole Sabiston and family
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John and Jayne Forbes Melissa and Marianne, Our hearts go out to you for the loss of your beloved Mother. How lovely though for all of you that you were able to enjoy her last weeks and days together.
Sadly we didn’t know her personally, only through family connections, Bruce and Sallie, who were very fond of her. May her spirit and your memories remain with you forever.
Sincerely
John and Jayne Forbes (Sallie’s Dad and Mom)
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Dennis Moore and Karen Hurley Dear Missey and Marianne….We’re so sad to hear of Moira’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences. Over the years in Cadboro Bay we got to know Moira,and Malcolm, as wonderful, funny, kind, dog loving, and spirited people who had a great outlook on life. We loved Moira’s bookstore and enjoyed many book focused conversations there. We have always enjoyed bumping into Moira in the dairy aisle of Pepper’s, and on Telegraph Bay Road, and the long conversations that would follow, usually about all kinds of things but often about the trials and tribulations for the local dog community. We will miss Moira’s laugh, kindness and wisdom. If there’s anything you need help with, please don’t hesitate to call. We’re probably in Moira’s phone book under ” Dennis and Karen / Coconut (the dog) ”
With respect,
Dennis Moore and Karen Hurley
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John Torrey Maggie Oliphant, our mother, was a longtime Victoria resident. Countless were the times on Sunday phone calls when we heard from her of yet another book suggested by Moira. Often too the visits to Village Books when we visited from out East. Maggie only one of so many that Village Books and Moira touched, and enriched. Deepest condolences from Maggie’s children, Heather, John, Bruce and David
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Graham Lloyd My deepest condolences to Melissa and Marianne. Graham Lloyd
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Darren & Heather Dear Melissa,
Heather and I are so sorry to learn of your mother’s passing. We know you shared a deep bond and that you have many memories to treasure.
Our sincere condolences,
Darren and Heather
Dear Melissa and Marianne
Joe and I were so sorry to hear of Moira’s passing. She was a truly lovely lady and will be sorely missed. With our sincere condolences, Joe and Linda Harvey.