Reta Miriam Fowler (nee Austin) died on December 9th, 2015 in her home among her family in Victoria, BC. Reta was born in Toronto, Ontario on July 20,1928 to Estelle and Robert Austin. She grew up there and attended secretarial school. She was very active in music and was a soprano in a professional young women’s chorale group. She continued to sing solos throughout most of her life. Reta and her family moved to California for a short time and returned to Toronto where she met Paul Fowler. They were married on September 10th, 1948, settled in Red Deer, Alberta, and raised four children.
Working for the Alberta government for over 38 years as a medical and executive secretary, Reta excelled in her organizational skills by managing a busy life with work, home, and an active church life.
Reta and her husband Paul retired from Edmonton to Victoria, BC. in 1990.
Reta was predeceased by her husband Paul Fowler, both her siblings Robert Austin and Donald Austin, and her grandson, Kieran Bruce. She is survived by her four children: Leah Fowler (Wendy Donawa), Timothy (Kathy) Fowler , Peter (Jody) Fowler, and Neva (Rob) Bruce; her grandchildren: Matthew (Celeste) Fowler, Joshua (Cherise) Fowler, Jeremy Fowler, Caleb Fowler, Connor Bruce, and two great grand children, Kyla Ann Fowler, and Luke Fowler.
Reta enjoyed fashion, singing, entertaining, skating, alpine skiing, and bible study groups. She has always been a regular participant in her church, but most of all, she was a consummate and generous friend to many.
Friends are invited to join in a celebration of life on December 15, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at The Victoria Church of the Nazarene, 4277 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC. In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Compassionate Resource Warehouse.
McCall’s Funeral Home
13 Responses
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Reta’s family. I had met Reta over 14 years ago and I had the pleasure of sitting and chatting with her when we had the time. She was lovely in every way. Such a loss for family and friends.
Leah, Neva, Tim and Peter,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was such an exceptional and gracious person and will be sorely missed. Words cannot really express the depth of such a loss, but know that you carry her in your hearts moving forward.
We were so pleased to finally meet your mom just a few days before her passing. Our boys, Brandon and Alex, lit a candle for her that night in her house and said a prayer for her. All the neighbors speak so fondly of your parents and I know your mom will be missed. All the best from our family to yours, The Long Family.