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
May I offer my deep sympathy to all Phoebe Noble’s relatives. She was THE Mrs. Noble to me – an inspiring and wonderful math teacher in my first & second years at Victoria College 1948, 1949. I remember her always sweeping into the classroom in her black university gown and promptly covering the blackboard with chalk numbers. She made algebra and calculus so easy to understand. She was a very special teacher whom I’ll never forget .
Diane
We are saddened to read of your mother’s death, Sandra. We know the two of you were very close and you will miss her terribly. Our thoughts are with you and Rae. Sylvia and Walley
Dear Sandra,
I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I know how much you loved her. She was an amazing woman who impacted so many people in so many positive ways. I know because I was one of them. I will always be grateful that she was a part of my life. She was my mentor and I loved her deeply.
Dan, Beau, Chantelle and I send you our condolences and love.
Dorothy
I was saddened to hear of Pheobe’s passing. I felt privaliged to known her these past few years. I’ll never forget the first time I met Pheobe, she called me to come over and we sat in the garden while I fixed up her feet, so they wouldn’t poke holes in her hand made socks. ( from her daughter ). There was also the time I helped her alittle bit with her Ipod. She amazed me, an Ipod at 91. She told me she needed to live to be at least 100 because she had so much to do.( Including finishing a book on draught resistant plants.) I rode my horse past her place on Madrona a couple of weeks ago, and I swear that was her on the riding lawn mower. I was going ride into the drive way but didn’t want to scare her or my horse. I will miss her dearly, Dawn
Sandra, we are thinking about you and all the emotions that must be racing through your mind. You have been so involved with your Mom especially over the last few years that it will be hard to let go. It sounds like she had a good life and we are so glad that we got to meet her and see her property. Take care of yourself through this difficult time. See you soon. Pat and Jack
Dear Sandra and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Though I had been in touch with your mother only occasionally, I always held such a strong impression of her truly bright and positive presence. You are so very fortunate to have had such a mother.
– Helen Chesnut.
I was saddened this morning to read of the passing of a fine woman and gardener. One of my recollections of Phoebe Noble was meeting her at a lecture on hardy geraniums and she was so warm and willing to share her knowledge and expertise. I had just discovered the joys of having hardy geraniums in my extensive garden and her advice to me was to “just mow them down after they had flowered and they will come back with a vengeance”. She was correct. I take comfort in having known Phoebe as a member of the gardening community. We have lost a lovely woman and a gardener that shared her knowledge so generously.
“To Plant a Garden, is to Plant Happiness”
Marnie Crowe
We were all fortunate to get to know Phoebe, and benefit
from her positive, funny and intelligent manner. She will
be missed. She was one of a kind and there should be
more like her, the world would be a better place.
Sandra and Rae:
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
All members of the Canadian Scottish Regiment (Princess Mary’s) Women’s Auxiliary
Dear Sandra and Rae, we are so sorry for your loss of your mother. Comfort can be found in knowing that she lived a full and rewarding life. Eventually you will find solace as time goes on, by remembering her as a loving, devoted Mother and confidant and sharing your happiest memories with those you love.
Our heartfelt condolences, Rhonda and Jim Scott / Melissa Scott-Herron