After a full and happy life, in her 101st year, our beloved Noni passed away peacefully with her children by her side.
Born in Portland, Oregon to Jack and Connie Lawless, moved to Victoria at age 5, where she spent her life surrounded by a large family and many friends.
Predeceased by husband of 55 years, Leslie Wilson, the love of her life. She will be sadly missed by all her family, children Steve (Mary), Diane (Doug), Jan (Ron), grandchildren Lisa, Julie, Trina, Colin, Steve, Tawny, Ashley and Courtney, 11 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.
Her happiest times were spent with family and friends. Flower arranging, reading and gardening were her passions, and of course chocolate. She also enjoyed walking with the walking group, bird watching, and spending time at family cabins in Brentwood and Cowichan Lake.
Noni will be remembered for her gentle nature, positive outlook, kindness and the great sense of humour she carried with her until the very end.
A very special thank you for the loving care and kindness of Dr. McKeen, all the nurses and care-aides on the 7th floor at the Heights, and her 3 loving companions.
A Family Service will be held in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC on Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Wilson” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Helen Richard
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JOANNE FRASER Dear Steve, Diane and Jan,
What an amazing woman, mother, wife, cousin and friend Velma was. Like my Mum Freda, always so patient and kind, even under the most trying circumstances! I recall fondly spending lots of time with Diane and Jan at the cabin and at your Quadra home. Your Mum seemed to always be able to roll with the punches no matter what was thrown at her. She and Freda were such great pals, and spent lots of time together when “the boys” Les and Tony were out fishing. Then of course they would be canning the fish too! I recall how much Vel loved her garden, flowers and her atrium. She certainly had a green thumb. I have photos of her with my Mum and other aunts and cousins. Hope to show them to you at some point. We are away for the winter months so unfortunately we and will not be able to attend the Service in February, but I will have all of you in our hearts and prayer. Will miss seeing all the cousins.Joanne (Grimston) and Bill Fraser
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Bruce So sorry for your loss. Our condolences to the family.
Bruce and Ronalyn
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Sue Kilvington Condolences to the Wilson family. Velma was my Mom’s cousin – Laura (Webb) Craven. Velma, Mavis and Laura were very close as young women and were all in the Victoria Girls’ Drill Team together, of which I still have pictures of them. They were very close and enjoyed many adventures in their youth.
Laura was the last of the Webb family to pass in 2021 and Velma is the last of the Lawless Clan. I”m sure they are all in heaven now catching up on all their happy memories.
Sue (Craven) Kilvington
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Celina Mason (Lawless) A beautiful person with a loving and beautiful soul. Family was everything to her and she never forgot any of us.
Her legacy continues throughout the generations, leading us with her smiles, laughter and hugs.
Aunty Velma, you will always be remembered with such warmth, appreciation, and love.
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Frances Dodsworth A truly wonderful person
A life well lived
Sincere condolences
Franne
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Adrian Cownden Aunty Velma,the last of the Jack & Connie Lawless line. She brought energy, cheer and kindness to all she met.
Thanks for the memories.
Adrian
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Yvonne S Very sad to hear of Auntie Velma’s passing. She and I were the ‘babe’s’ of the family she would say. I’ll miss her spunk and the memories of her at family gatherings of long ago.
Heartfelt condolences to Diane, Jeannine, and Steve.
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Lisa Sidoroff Steven, Diane, Jan and family… I am so sorry for your loss. I have many great memories when you three were young…. and the three of us were younger, staying at your home on Quadra St. Auntie Velma was so funny and so patient with Uncle Les. I am glad Chantal and I came and visited her in 2025. She was sharp as a whip, making jokes all while watching sports on TV. She will always be fondly remembered. Love Lisa and Elena (Cownden) Sidoroff
Warm memories of Velma. Velma’s sister Mavis introduced Velma to my mother Claire and me on one of our much enjoyed visits to Victoria (from across the country and across the Atlantic). Velma struck me as a beautiful, gracious and kind lady. My sincere condolences and best wishes of comfort and peace to Velma’s family and to my cousins.
Helen Richard