Jean L. Purdy (nee Chadwick)
June 29, 2011
Jean died peacefully in Victoria on June 26, 2011. She was born in Wildwood, Alberta on October 13, 1932. Jean is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, Ronald Purdy and her son, Doug Purdy. She will be missed by many other relatives and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Saanich Pensinsula Hospital and Dr. David Morton.
A get together of family and friends will take place at the Prospect Lake Community Hall on Monday, July 4 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com
Should Children Attend Funerals?
June 28, 2011
Children grieve just as adults do. Any child old enough to form a relationship will experience some form of grief when a relationship is severed.
Dr. Alan Wolfelt says, “If someone is old enough to love, they are old enough to grieve.”
As adults we may not view a child’s actions as grief as it often is showed in ways which we misunderstand as “moody”, “cranky”, “withdrawn” or other behaviors which do not appear to us to be grief. Children need to be comforted by feelings of warmth, acceptance and understanding when someone close to them dies. This may be hard for adults to identify as they are probably experiencing their own grief.
Caring adults can help children through this difficult time when the child is experiencing emotions for which they cannot convey in words. This can be a growth experience for the child, teaching about love and relationships. The first step is to create an environment in which the child’s thoughts, fears and wishes are recognized. This means that they should be allowed to participate in any of the arrangements, ceremonies and gatherings which are comfortable for them.
First, explain what will be happening and why it is happening at a level the child can understand. A child may not be able to speak at a loved one’s funeral but would benefit greatly from the opportunity to draw a picture to be placed in the casket or displayed at the service. Be aware that children like to dose themselves by only viewing the deceased for short intervals. This is not a sign of disrespect or a sign that they cannot cope with the viewing process. Adults can learn from children’s behaviors as the child doesn’t have any preconceived notion of what is the proper length of time, they haven’t been influenced by the options of others – they do what is natural to them.
At the funeral, families should identify a non-immediate family member or friend to care for the children in this event. The key is to allow the participation, not to force it. Do not force participation on the child as this can be harmful as children instinctively have a good sense of how involved they wish to be. They should be listened to carefully.
We welcome you to share your experiences and comments below. If you have any other questions about death, grief and creating meaningful funerals, please use the “Ask the Director” form to the right and we will answer your question in a future blog post.
Eveline Geminiano
June 27, 2011
It is with the greatest sadness that we announce the passing of Evie Geminiano. Evie passed away on 26th June, at peace, after a brave two-year battle with cancer, embraced in the love of her close family and strengthened by the prayers and support of a wide circle of wonderful friends.
Evie was predeceased by her beloved son Nathan (in 1993, at the age of 14) and by her father, John Pangka in 2009. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Jim; her mother, Caroline Pangka; daughter Alexa (Gordon); son Christopher; her doted-upon grandson Kingston; sister Florien (Barry); brothers Richard (Veronica) and Rudy (Helena) and sister Vera (Sjarif) and brother Alex (Po Lin), both in Indonesia, and many nieces and nephews.
Evie came to Canada in 1966 at the age of 17, welcomed here by her Uncle Peter (Djwa) and Auntie Sandra. She embraced life in a new land and a new language with characteristic gusto, thriving in Canada’s multi-cultural milieu, and she embarked on a life-long path of making friends wherever she went. While studying for her BSc. in math at UBC, she fell in love with her beau and future life partner, Onofre (Jim) Geminiano. They married in Vancouver in 1970. While Jim obtained his veterinary degree at Guelph, Evie completed her BEd. at UofT and taught at Fellows High School in Pembroke, Ont.. They soon returned to the West coast where Evie taught math for a number of years at Colquitz Secondary School and Jim opened his veterinary hospital in Langford. For Evie, full-time motherhood soon prevailed and together they raised three wonderful and remarkable children. As the children grew up, Evie threw herself into social engagements and good causes. Her already extended circle of friends grew wider still. Ever the consummate hostess, her dinner parties were legends of gastronomic delight (and overabundance!) and happy gathering-points for family and friends. All who met her will treasure memories of her generosity of spirit and her sparkling personality. Her friends have remained always by her side throughout her illness, always willing and available to provide the support, the love and often the laughter that she sought. For that, the family would like to express our deepest gratitude.
In addition, we would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all the health care professionals who worked at Evie’s side tirelessly and with great compassion: Dr. Anthony Jong; ‘brother’ and friend, Drs. Kathleen Fitzgerald and Jan Lim and staff at the Victoria Cancer Clinic; the doctors, staff and the Palliative Response Team at Victoria Hospice; VIHA Home and Community Care nurse, Kory; and the home care support staff from Beacon Community Services.
A funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, 2060 Haultain Street, Victoria at 10 AM. on Wednesday 29th June. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Cancer Foundation – Colon Cancer Research, 2410 Lee Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V8R 6V5 (www.bccancerfoundation.com), or Victoria Hospice Society,1952 Bay Street, Victoria, B.C. V8R 1J8 (www.victoriahospice.com). Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
Elizabeth Jane Rogers
June 27, 2011
January 9, 1919 – June 24, 2011
Born in Toronto, Ontario, daughter of Ralph Hargrave and Doreen (Price) Hargrave. Predeceased by her brothers John and Donald and her husband of 69 years, Hon. Robert Gordon Rogers.
Jane is survived by her children, John Rogers (Lisa), Susan Russell (Denis), Patty Jackson (Bob), and seven grandsons; Owen Rogers (Fiona), Toby Rogers, Jamie Rogers, Jonathan Fane (Lindsay), Alexander Fane (Marta), Kevin Jackson (Ericka), Eric Jackson (Ana) and her three great-granddaughters.
Jane had a long and happy life, bracketed by her Red Cross service in WWII, and her time at Government House as Chatelaine.
A Memorial Service will be held at McCall Bros., 1400 Vancouver Street in Victoria, at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 2nd with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, Jane has requested donations be made to the Victoria Foundation, 109 – 645 Fort Street, Victoria, B.C., V8W 1G2.
Shere Koon Young
June 27, 2011
Passed away peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital on June 25, 2011 at the age of 75 years . He was born in China on October 10, 1935. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Mei; his sons, Lawrence, King (Michelia) and Wei and eight grandchildren. He moved to Canada in 1979 to join his older brother and uncle and aunt. Koon was later joined by his wife and children. Special thanks to his elder brother, Young Chuk Wing; his uncle, Mr. Chan and his aunt; his cousins and immediate family.
A Funeral Service will be held in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson & Vancouver Streets, on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 11:30 am with interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
Anne Helen Margaret Helmus
June 25, 2011
January 15, 1954 – June 23, 2011
I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:2
Surrounded by her loving family, as she would have desired it, with a mixture of joy and sorrow we announce that Anne Helmus very peacefully went home to live eternally with her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. After a valiant five-year struggle with cancer, Anne finally succumbed on June 23, but we believe that she is now rejoicing and dancing in heaven. She will be greatly missed by Bill, her loving husband for nearly 33 years, and their four children: Diana and David Reitsma (and much adored Nana to Marshall, Adam, and Kyle), Sean and Anita, Jonathan and Paola, and Ryan. Predeceased by her parents, Willem and Johanna Bakker (Strathroy, Ontario), she will be fondly remembered by her six brothers: Bert (deceased on May 20, 2011) and Ellen of Strathroy, Ontario; Harry and Betty of Bradenton, Florida; Bernie and Irene of Whitby, Ontario; Paul and Lory of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Ralph and Diane of Palmerston, Ontario; and Wilmar and Melinda of Listowel, Ontario. Many other members of her large extended family will miss her dearly as well. After meeting while teaching at Calgary Christian School, with Anne teaching Grade 5, Anne and Bill were married in Calgary, Alberta in 1978, where their first three children (Diana, Sean, Jonathan) were born. From 1983-1985 they lived in Ukarumpa, Papua New Guinea, where their youngest son, Ryan, was born, while they served with Wycliffe Bible Translators. Upon returning to Canada, they lived in Bowmanville, Ontario for eleven years. Anne spent some years at home raising the children, and also taught in local public elementary schools for several years, the final three years in Grade 1, while Bill served as principal of Knox Christian School. The family moved to Victoria in 1997 when Bill took up the position as principal of Pacific Christian Elementary School. Anne taught various elementary grades in the Saanich School District, with her final few years at Saanichton and KELSET elementary schools. Anne was always dedicated first and foremost to her Lord and to her family, but she was also very passionate about her teaching, deeply caring for every single student. She loved teaching! Anne was first diagnosed with ovarian cancer in September 2006, just weeks after she and Bill returned from a wonderful 5-week missions trip, serving in rural Christian schools in Zambia, Africa. Although she suffered long and endured much, she never complained, but accepted and took in stride all of these significant changes to her personal goals and plans. Her desire was to honour God in every aspect of her life. “Endurance is not just the ability to bear a hard thing, but to turn it into glory.” That is exactly what Anne has done! She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all who knew her and were impacted by her life.
Heartfelt thanks to Dr. Patti Olsen for her genuine love and care, and to Dr. Jorg Michels and many other caring and competent physicians, nurses and other staff at the Victoria Cancer Clinic, plus Royal Jubilee and Victoria General Hospitals. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Cancer Society, or to your favourite charity.
Everyone is invited to a special service to celebrate Anne’s life at GLAD TIDINGS PENTECOSTAL CHURCH on Wednesday, June 29 at 3:00 pm. A private graveside service will be held earlier at Royal Oak Burial Park. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
Barbara Tsing-Shao Po (nee Mao)
June 22, 2011
1921 – 2011
Passed away peacefully on June 19th in Victoria, at the age of 90 years. She is survived by Timothy, her loving husband of 64 years; her daughter, Karen (Geok-Seng) Tang of Victoria; her son Ta-Wei (Shelley) of Beaverton, Oregon; four grandchildren, Monica (Nicholas) Althouse, Allan Tang, David Po and Rosa Po; one great-granddaughter, Marlena Althouse; two brothers, Qingyu Mao and Qingyuan Mao, and their families who mostly reside in Shanghai. Born in Dalian, China, Barbara moved frequently during the early years of her life due to war and political upheaval. She completed her education at Ginling Women’s College in Chengdu, China before evacuating to Taiwan, where she raised her family. After immigrating to Canada and settling in Victoria in 1980, she found renewed purpose as a loving grandmother and as owner operator of Sayward News on Douglas Street for 10 years. She loved to paint and swim, enjoying her last 30
years in Victoria surrounded by family and friends. We respected her strong character, followed her quiet examples and loved her beyond measure.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 25th at 10:30 am in MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL. Flowers are gratefully declined; tributes, if desired, may be made to the Canadian Red Cross Society. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
William Wilbur Kneebone
June 21, 2011
Born January 3rd 1924 in Franklin, New Jersey. Wilbur passed away after heart complications on Friday, June 17th, 2011 at Selkirk Place Complex Care Facility in Victoria, B.C. Wilbur is survived by his twin brother, Gilbert Kneebone; younger brothers, John Kneebone and Calvin Kneebone; nieces, Julie (Martin), Melanie Morris (Simon) and cousin, Paul Kneebone (Karen).
The family would like to thank the staff of Selkirk Place Complex Care Facility for their care and support of Wilbur during his stay there.
Graveside Service will be held at Royal Oak Burial Park, 4673 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C. on Wednesday, June 22nd at 11:00 a.m. Flowers gratefully declined. If desired, donations can be made to the charity of your choice in Wilbur’s name. Thank you from the family! Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
Fani Dinescu
June 20, 2011
Fani Dinescu, born Stefania Maravelis, 94 years, passed away suddenly on June 16, 2011 at Victoria General Hospital. Her departure is an irreplaceable loss for the entire family: son Michael and wife Luisa; two grandchildren; three great grandchildren; for her best friend Sevasti and for her many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation and Vigil Prayers will be held at MCCALL BROS. FLORAL CHAPEL, Johnson and Vancouver Streets on Wednesday, June 22nd at 7 :00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at THE GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH “Presentation of the Lord”, 4648 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria, on Thursday, June 23rd, 2011 at 12 Noon. Respecting the departed’s wish, no flowers should be sent, instead, please make all memorial donations to: Victoria Vancouver Island Greek Community Society, 4648 Elk Lake Drive, Victoria, B.C. V8Z 5M1. (Income tax receipt will be issued). Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com
Dustin Ryan Smith
June 18, 2011
Feb 26, 1988 ~ June 14, 2011
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our Precious Dusty. He is survived by Beth (Mom), Jamie & Josh (Brothers) & Dan (Friend); as well as many other friends and family.
Your memory is our keepsake ~ from which we’ll never part
God has you in His keeping ~ We have you in our hearts
No farewell words were spoken ~ No time to say goodbye
You were gone before we knew it ~ Only God knows why
There are no words to describe our pain ~ our sorrow deep within
Wanting nothing more ~ than to wrap our loving arms around you
And to hear you laugh & see your smile once again.
A Celebration of Life for Dusty will be held at 6:00 pm on Sunday, June 19th, at Sauce Bar & Restaurant. A viewing will be held on Wednesday, June 22nd, from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
at McCall Bros Family Chapel (Vancouver and Johnson Streets). A Private Burial will be held at Royal Oak Burial Park. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.mccallbros.com.
Every moment of every day you’ll be in our thoughts
We love you ~ We miss you
Forever & Always in our hearts
Our precious Dustin
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