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’re sorry to hear about your mother. Although we didn’t see her much, we remember her for her warm smile. She was a very nice, thoughtful lady.
It is with the deepest sympathy that we pass on our sincere condolences to your Family.
Cherish all the memories for there will be no more. Love and live in Verna’s memory.
The obituary brought back many fond memories for me.
Much love,
Gerry, Stephanie and Caleb
Jon and family:
My sincere condolences to you and the family.
Nanda
On behalf of the Victoria Chinatown Lionesses, I would like to offer our condolences to the entire family. We’re thinking of you especially at this difficult time.
Dear Jon and Family
Verna was an honoured member of our Restaurant family. She was kind, hard-working and a fun person to be around. My late husband Clare always spoke of her with great respect.
May all your wonderful memories and the passage of time help ease your sorrow.
June Anderson
Our sincere condolences. Aunty Verna was a live long friend of my Mother Leona and indeed our entire family. She always had a smile and was caring and compassionate person. We share your lost and may you have peace with all the memories of an exceptional mother, Poh Poh and Tai poh
Dear Verna:
I (Jane Chow) remember meeting you when I was a little girl in Duncan back in the late 40’s, early 50″s when you visited relatives in Duncan.
Willie and I will always remember you as a beautiful graceful lady with always a smile for everyone and so kind.
Jon & family: remember the memories . Time is the healer and know that she is resting in peace now.
Love Willie and Jane Eng
Dear Uncle Jon, Calvin, Becky, Sabrina, Charlayne, and their loved ones:
My mom (Aunty Verna’s sister-in-law, Pearl), and me, feel for you all duing this very sad time, in losing loving Aunty Verna. My mom wont be able to make the service, as she has been unable to get around as easily for the past few years. And the cold weather makes it even more difficult. But she wanted me to say, she will has many fond memories of Aunty Verna’s care and hospitality when she visited often in the past to Victoria. And its some of those wonderful memories that brings a smile to her face when she recalls those cherished times. Aunty Verna is one outstanding, wonderul woman, whose smile and graciousness we will always remember with fondness.
God Bless.
Jon Joe and family
Please accept our deepest sympathy on your loss.
We will always remember Verna for her gracious manner and that wonderful smile that lit up a room. What a fine legacy she has left behind in her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren!
Dave & Jen Kinney
We want to say how much we admired and respected Verna, and how beautiful she was with all of her family and friends!
We share the sorrow of you and your family Jon. Verna’s wonderful spirit will live on!
Love Always
Brian & Pam