Born February 26th, 1924 in Victoria, B.C, passed peacefully away on February 21st, 2011 at the Royal Jubilee Hospital after a short illness just 5 days shy of her 87th birthday. She is survived by her loving husband of 64 years, Jon, son Calvin (Linda) and daughters Vanessa (Doug St. Arnault), Sabrina (Al Orton) and Charlayne (Phil Thornton-Joe). She was loved and known as “PuhPuh” to her grandchildren Blaine (Mary), Darrin, Kevyn and Melissa, “Tai Puh” to great grandchildren Iain and Claire, “Aunty Verna” to many, and was adored by all her family members. She was born into a large family on a farm on Cadillac Avenue, Victoria. She worked as a salad girl in many restaurants in Victoria such as The Poodle Dog, The Coffee House, The Apple Tree, The Oak Bay Marina, the Strathcona Hotel and The Harbour House Restaurant. For over 65 years she was a member of the Victoria Chinese Freemasons. Things that brought a smile to Verna’s face were her mahjong games on the weekend, the occasional trip to the casino to play the slots, the birds in her backyard, gardening and flowers of all kinds. She loved her family (including her granddogs), her many friends and music.
A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 26th, 2011 at McCall Brother’s Funeral Home at 1400 Vancouver Street at 11am. Internment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. Donations can be made in Verna’s memory to either the Victoria Hospitals Foundation or a charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Dr. Dorothy Hamilton for many years of care, and the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital who looked after our mom. Verna will be sadly missed, but lovingly rememberedby a multitude of family and friendsfor her smile and her warm, kind heart. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
21 Responses
We were in a Probus tour group of Chinatown conducted by Charlayne Thorton-Joe. During the tour Charlayne spoke with affection about her mother, and we were fortunate to be introduced to her.. We feel her pain at the loss of this outstanding and brave woman.
Dear Sabrina,
I was very sorry to read of your Mother’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family at this sad time. Cherish the good memories you have of her, they really do help make things easier.
Take care, Roberta and Max from the dog walkers.
It was great sadness to hear of Verna’s passing she always had a heart warming smile whenever we met. She will always remain in our memories.
Peter & Cyn
Dear Charlayne and family,
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I have many fond memories of your mom from our high school years! I know what a special place she holds in your hearts and how proud she was of each of you. Thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Lots of love,
Julia
Dear Jon, Vanessa, Sabrina, Charlayne, Calvin & Families,
Heartfelt sympathy to all of you in the loss of someone so dear and close to your hearts.
Verna always greeted everyone with a beautiful everlasting smile and was always very kind and thoughtful towards others. She was one elegant lady.
She always giggled whenever we said to her, “see you at the casino”!
Sincerest condolences in your sad loss,
Pinky, Bon & Family
Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this very sad time. I will always remember Verna’s lovely smile and her gracious manner. She truly was a very warm and kind lady –a very big heart with a sparkle in her eyes always. I know you all will miss her very much.
Carol McNeill and Tom Wildy
What a very special quality lady Verna was.
Our hearts go out to you at this time
Sincerely
Evie and Bill Snowdon
Dear Charlayne,
It is with great sadness that I learned about your mother’s passing. I know she was a great inspiration and support to you and many others.
All the best to you, Phil and your family during this sad time.
Karen Whyte
What a very special quality lady Verna was.
Our hearts go out to you at this time.
Bill and Evie Snowdon
Dear Joe Family:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Verna. We always enjoyed her company at the home of the Farids. Verna added to any group and conversation a special spark and laughter. She was always positive, interested and full of life. Her family and friends meant a great deal to her and we know she will be deeply missed. Our thoughts are with all of you.
Sincerely, Cairine and Fred Green