Rubymay Parrott (nee Brown), born April 17, 1921, in Victoria, B.C. passed away peacefully at her home in Victoria on April 21, 2014 after a long and courageous fight against cancer. Rubymay was passionate about living life to the fullest. Never shy to challenge norms, she acted as a champion for gender equality throughout her life. A proud Victorian and community activist, Rubymay took on leadership roles in the Saanich School Board, Pacific Coast Credit Union, Craigdarroch Castle and many others. She began her career as a teacher in a one room school in Koksilah, B.C. Her marriage to Harold further signalled her love for improving education. Rubymay first served at the local school board level, then provincially, and finally as the head of the Canadian School Trustees Association. She began her fascination for travel at an early age with her parents, then explored far corners of the earth with her beloved Harold in tow. Her adoration of friends, family and neighbours was always apparent, but particularly at Bradley Dyne where she loved to entertain, garden and engage with the community. Rubymay, predeceased by her loving husband, Harold and granddaughter, Paige, leaves her daughter, Sherry (Larry); sons, Brian (Kelly) and Brock (Margie) and grandchildren, Colin, Owen and Madeline. She will also be missed by Larry’s children, Sarah (René and young Tennyson) and Simon (Katharine). The family would particularly like to thank Dr. D. Carroll, Nurse Next Door for their compassionate care, as well as Beacon Support Services. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Red Cross, the Victoria Hospitals Foundation (Adult ICU) and/or the Scleroderma Society of BC would be welcomed.
A service to commemorate Rubymay’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2014 at Goward House, 2495 Arbutus Road Victoria BC V8N 1V9. Condolences for the family may be offered below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
27 Responses
To the Parrott,
Our deepest condolences to you at this time. Having met Rubymay on a few occasions I realized she had an engaging and magical spirit. My mother, Pauline Simmonds and Rubymay had some great times together. Friday evenings were usually started with a class of wine. Our thoughts a prayers are with you.
Rob and Brenda
It is sad news indeed to hear your dear mother has passed away.
I met her only a few times over the years but will always remain grateful to her as she was one of the first people to hire me when I started performing professionally many years ago. She was full of energy and creative ideas and held the well-being of the community close to her heart. She was impressive and inspiring.
My condolences and warmest regards,
Carolyn Sadowska
To Rubymay’s family,
Please acccept my sincere condolences on her passing. She was such a dear friend to my Grandmother Elsie and my father and aunts have wonderful memories of her. She will be greatly missed.
Dear Brian, Kelly, Colin, Owen and Maddy
I have found memories of the ”Rubester” and I know how special she was to you and so many people.
Our thoughts and well wishes are with you all during this tough time.
Lots of love
QB and Kim
To our Dear Friends, Brock and Margie, we send our Love and Hugs to you at this sad time. Rubymay was a wonderful host, welcoming us to her home several times when we have visited Canada. Her warm friendship and kind hospitality will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you, Brian & Kelly, Sherry and Larry and families on the 3rd and we are sad we cannot be there to say goodbye to a great lady.
Love, Lorraine & Warren
Sorry to hear the news of the passing of your Mom, Rubymay. May our prayers help comfort you during this difficult time. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Sherry, please accept our heartfelt condolences on Rubymay’s passing. It was always a pleasure speaking with her at our visits to your home.
Clair and Leigh
I have always enjoyed the great stories of Ruby may over the years from Brian and Kelly and Colin,,, I enjoyed meeting up with her on the times that i was visiting Victoria. She was such an amazing humorous and great character in life, I always felt her love of her family as she shared with me on the times we visited over the years,,,, I send lots of Love to Brian and family. Ruby May is with her angels now.. God Bless her always…
Wendy Squire and Max and Kelly Kullberg
Dear Sherry, Brian and Brock,
We have such fond memories of your mother. What a character; she certainly had personality galore! I always enjoyed her visits to Montreal. She and Harold introduced me to Fats Waller, taking me to a concert when I was in my early twenties.
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Thinking of you at this time,
Shauna and Robert Cadotte and family
Sherry & Larry
We always enjoyed visits where your mother was in attendance. She was an interesting lady with an excellent sense of humour.