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
Sherry, Brian, Brock and family
We are so sorry to hear of Rubymay’s passing. She will be remembered as the true character she was. We had such fun out at Bradley Dyne in the dug out canoes, and getting the treats under our pillows if we went to sleep and doing our chores and your Dad complaining because we were clearing the dishes before he had finished his meal. We had wonderful family gatherings. It was great that we all stayed in touch after all these years.
Mum is in hospital and not doing very well at the moment but she too sends her regards.
Pam and I will try to attend on Sat. Thinking of you because I know how hard it will be for you. I am not far behind you. Hang in there.
Hugs for you all. Brenda Quin and family
Dear Sherry,
My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Your mother’s strength and spirit will continue to sustain you in the days and years ahead.
Thinking of you with love and support,
Sharon Niles
Our heart felt condolences go out to you and your family at this difficult time. Our Pastor will say a special Prayer of Remembrance for Rubymae this Sunday, and also for the family as we all deal with our loss.
Go raibh solas Dé ar a n-anam. ( May be the light of God be on her soul.: Irish 400 A.D.)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Take time to cherish the many wonderful memories of your mom.
Brian, Sherry and Brock
I was so sad to hear about the passing of your wonderful mother. I remember well visiting your mom and dad at their Brentwood Bay home when I visiting in Victoria. I did see her a few times at the condo in and also when she was last in Toronto. She always had some great stories. I know she will be greatly missed by many people including me.
Dear Sherry, Brian, Brock and Families
Please accept our condolences in the loss of your dear mother and our “Aunt Rubymay”. Both Keith and I have fond memories of summers spent at Bradley Dyne. She did love to entertain, and the house was seldom without visitors. Although her travels took her far and wide, her home and family were her most cherished. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Love Jean, Keith and Noel Parrott
Dear Sherry, Brian and Brock
Please accept our sincere condolences on Rubymay’s passing. It had been about four years since we went, at her invitation, and had afternoon tea and fresh baking with her and talked of many things going back to 1966 when I first went to work with Harold.
She was such a warm and considerate person and the parties she hosted were not to be forgotten.
Leo and Judy
Brock and Margie – We are sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Stay strong during this difficult time. We are thinking of you both.
Debbie and Rob Juhasz
Ruby May was a thoughtful and quick witted woman. I still have the figurine she gave me in Paige’s honor. She will always be remembered.
Dear Sherry,
Please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother.
Karen Gurney