October 11, 1915 – July 31, 2010
A native of Victoria, Phoebe was passionate about teaching and gardening. Phoebe taught high school in Victoria before being recruited into the Mathematics Department at Victoria College, now the University of Victoria, in 1945. During the thirty-three years that she taught there, she also served in many administrative capacities, including Dean of Women and Head of the Mathematics Department (twice). She was a professor emerita of the University. Phoebe was a charter member and first president of the Victoria chapter of Zonta International. With her late husband, Jack, she co-chaired the Victoria United Appeal in 1966. Always interested in gardening, she became passionate about plants (particularly hardy geraniums) after retiring from UVic. In 1990 Phoebe, along with the late George Radford, answered Dr. David Lam’s call to aid in the restoration of the gardens at Government House. She remained keenly interested in this project. Phoebe shared her love of gardening and teaching through her many lectures, magazine articles and open gardens that she hosted on her two acre property. Phoebe is predeceased by her husband Jack and her brother Wally. She is survived by daughter Sandra (Rae McDonald), cousin Kath Picha (Joe) and family, nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at McCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets, on Saturday, August 7, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. with a reception to follow in the McCall’s Family Centre. Special thanks to the wonderful staff and volunteers in the Palliative Care Unit at Saanich Peninsula Hospital.
22 Responses
Dear Sandra,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy to you and your husband with apologies for being so long in getting in touch. Having been old Eatonian friends for over 60 years, we mourn her passing. Maureen and I tried to visit her last summer when we travelled the Island but she was away. I would very much appreciate hearing from you. You may reach me through my daughter, Maureen.
Rene Muirhead, Chilliwack, B.C.
August 20, 2010
In 1968 the Zonta Club of Victoria was formed with Phoebe as the Charter President. For many years our club has honoured her by funding the Phoebe Noble Bursary for a woman studying horticulture at Camosun College. She was a great mentor and always made us smile with her obvious love of life and constant enthusiasm and love of learning.
Carole Didier
Service Chair – Zonta Club of Victoria