January 27, 1945 – March 2, 2011
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Veronica on March 2, 2011 after a courageous 3 year battle with breast cancer. Veronica passed away peacefully at home in the presence of her family. She is survived by her parents, Doug and Doris Harrison; her husband, Jim; her brother, Adrian (Joyce); sister-in-law, Lynn Gauley; daughter, Christina (Rob); son, Michael (Christy); grandchildren, Olivia, Charlotte and Logan; nephews, Jay Bessembinders and Ben Harrison (Tanis) and grand niece, Hartley.
Veronica was born in Hunstanton, England in 1945. Her family moved to Canada in 1953. Finally settling in Victoria in 1956, Veronica attended Oak Bay High and received her B.Sc. from UVIC in 1967. It was in a geology class where she met her future soulmate and married Jim in 1968. For the next 43 years, they shared many adventures, raised two wonderful children and cherished family holidays and gatherings. Some of Veronica’s adventures included identifying a new subspecies of Pacific Ocean squid in 1968, catching a 55 lb. spring salmon on her honeymoon in the Alberni Canal, visiting England and cruising . Highlights of her travels included trips to Hawaii and Disneyland with her family and a trip to Cusco, Peru in 2006, where Mike and Christy took us hiking and exploring Inca ruins in the Andes and visiting Machu Picchu. Veronica also got involved with the Juan de Fuca Arts and Crafts Guild, enjoyed sewing, knitting, weaving and especially quilting. She also managed Purdy’s Chocolates at Hillside and appreciated working with a very supportive staff. Veronica was a caring, thoughtful, loving and unselfish woman and we will cherish her memory forever. We would like to thank Dr.’s Attwell, Wei, Allen and Mathews, home care nurses Sue and Linda, and the Beacon Community workers for their professional care and support.
A Celebration of Veronica’s Life will be held in Victoria in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Thursday, March 10, 2011 at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
18 Responses
I remember Jim, Lynn and Veronica well. I attended their wedding and saw Michael and Jim at a Christmas craft fair in North Cowichan BC. Lynn and I were good friends from Crofton Bc
Jim, Christine and Mike,
I am so sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace. I am so sorry I missed her celebration of life. I am sure that you know she made an impression on me at such a young age(16).She and Bonnie was the best management team I have ever worked for. My favourite 12 years of my worklife would be at Purdy’s with Veronica and the Hillside team. We had some great laughs. Veronica aspired me to be the manager that I am today with my staff. In my own way, I have carried Veronica’s understanding and nurturing management style with me over the years. She will always be remembered.
My thoughts are with you all.
Our deepest sympathy to Jim and family. We knew of her courageous battle these past few years from our good friends her parents, Doris and Doug. We are so sorry we missed the memorial service and opportunity to offer our condolences on Thursday, but want you to know our thoughts are with you.
With love,
Shirley and Michael Rose
To Jim and Family;
Although we can’t be with you to celebrate Veronica’s life on Thursday, know that we will be thinking of you and remembering her.
With love and best wishes,
Bob and Margie
Our deepest sympathy.So sorry we can’t be there with you ,as you celebrate Veronica’s Life.Thinking of you at this time.Take care.
Dear Jim, Christina and Mike; Doug, Doris and Adrian and all family members,
Please accept from Ann and me our condolences and prayers for you and for Veronica.
Jim, this is a very difficult time so I will simply express my sadness when I learned of Veronica’s death. The two of you made an excellent couple and I remember with fondness the twenty-four years we spent as neighbours on Aloha Avenue.
Dear “Uncle” Jim, Christina, and Mike,
My mom told me about Veronica’s passing today. I have many fond memories of working with her at Purdy’s. Veronica gave me my first job at the age of 15 and I worked with her for 8 years. Not only was she my boss but she was also like a mother to me. I have often thought about the both of you and wondered how you were doing. It saddens me greatly that I did not know about Veronica’s recent struggles and I regret not keeping in touch after I moved away from Victoria.
My thoughts and condolences,
Sarah(nee Baker) Dixon
Edmonton
Please allow me to extend heartfelt sympathy for your loss, Jim. It is good to know you have such a big, loving family and so many wonderful memories to comfort you. Love, Alice