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 & Rae,
We are of course sad at Phoebe’s passing but would like to share a most positive early memory of Her.
I was priveledged to be one of her math students in 1950 at Victoria College, we were all seated awaiting our professor when in whirled “Professor Noble’ to announce ” My name is Professor Noble and I don’t give a dam wheather you sink or swim it’s up to you” duly shocked we were soon to discover that in fact she really did “give a dam” and was most passionate about wheather we all “sank or swam”. She was passionate about life and lived it to the fullest, we were priveledged to have known her also through you both.
Bruce & Marg
Dear Sandra, I guess it was 2 summers ago we met up at the SMS 100th celebrations. We spoke of your mother and you told me how well she was doing. I guess we all have our appointed time and now was hers. Happy are the memories of being driven by her to riding lessons after school at Carley’s, and then years later being reprimanded by her after our Victoria College field hockey team pinched a live preserver on the Coho! She was then Dean of Women. Unfortunately, this mathematical midget did not have the opportunity to benefit from her math instructions as so many others did. Lots of love to you and your family-May you have many happy memories. love Priscilla
Phoebe will always be an inspiration and an example to me for her indomitable gardening spirit. Many times when passing by I found her in her beautiful garden, and appreciated her ready welcome to come in for a walk around. I imagine that Phoebe is an icon for many gardeners who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be much missed.
I remember Mrs. Noble from my days at University of Victoria. She was a wonderful lady. She hired me to look after the girls dorm (I was the first Don in Margaret Newton Hall) in 1964. After I was married, she allowed me to “bring along my husband” and we continued to live there for another 4 yeras. After her retirement, I was able to visit her beautiful garden several times when it was included in tours. The perennial geranium is also one of my favourite flowers!!! She will always be a favourite part of my memories. Diana Caleb
I attended Vic College in 1957/58 and took a first year calculus course there. I had difficulty with my own prof so sat in on Phoebe Noble’s class and she got through my thick skull. I shall never forget her “fifty cent piece” and “soup can” methods of integrating the volume of a cylinder. I also shall never forget her radiant smile as she walked briskly through the halls wearing her mortar board and with academic robes fluttering.
Although it was a brief and distant encounter, she left a refreshing and permanent memory on me. I would like to offer my condolences to her family and friends at the passing of such a special person.
Ted Walton
Sandra & Rae:
I was saddened to return last night from vacation to see you dear mother’s obituary.
Your mother touched the lives of many a green thumb, here and abroad. As you know, I have been in awe of her career and have always admired her cheery way of sharing her passion. She will be very much missed in the gardening circles.
I think you are very fortunate Sandra to have had such a strong and devoted parent and friend all these years. I know there will be a big hole left.
I will always remember Pheobe Noble’s kindness, sense of humour and wisdom. I feel blessed to have met her a few times but especially hold fond memories of her garden talks and tours.
You are in my and Nick’s thoughts. Kathy Phasey
Hi Sandra, sorry to see that your mother passed away. I am sure you have some great gardening memories. I remember the stories you told me. Take care.
Dear Sandra and Rae.
Have been away and catching up with the newspapers and was shocked to see that your mom had passed away. She was a real delight and we had a lot of laughs together. Am sorry I was unable to attend the service for her.
My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Hugs to you both.
Lynne
Dear Sandra, I have never met you but wished to respond to the news in the paper about your mother. I am so sorry about your loss – my mother died ten years ago, and I still have moments of emptyness.
I studied math at Vic college under your mom. Later I consulted her re plants and gardening. She was such a great teacher – she told me to give-up in both areas!!! Which prompted me to pay attention and “dig” deeper – literally and figurately!
I am unable to attend the service or reception, but wished to join the many voices with my condolences to you.
Sincerely, Trisha WW
Sandra and Rae,
We are thinking of you and send our sincerest wishes to you and your family. Phoebe was a very special person who touched countless lives in a positive way. You have so many good memories to cherish. Take good care.
Warmest Regards, Mike & Shirl.