May 24, 1924 – July 23, 2015
Daphne died peacefully early Thursday morning following a brief stay at Victoria Hospice. She was predeceased in 1987 by her husband of 33 years, George Walter Baldwin (1928-1987), and is survived by her children Andrew (Karli), Elizabeth (Anthony), Matthew (Susan) and Jennifer (Michael); grandchildren Anastasia, Luke, Samuel, Ewan, Eleanor and Thomas; and cat Pepper.
Mum was born and raised in Oak Bay, graduated from Norfolk House (1941) in a class of 6 girls, attended Victoria College in Craigdarroch Castle (1941-1943) and, after a hiatus of five years, completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in History and English at UBC, where she met George. They were married in 1954 and moved to Prince George “for two years” – which became 47. Her time in Prince George was spent raising her family, to whom she was devoted, and caring for the many family pets over the years. She had a wide circle of friends, and maintained contact, by her indefatigable letter-writing, with relatives and childhood friends all over the world. Despite being, she alleged, shy and reserved, she was involved in a number of local activities, serving as chairman of the library board, Girl Guide commissioner, and in various capacities with the Alaska Music Trail, the Prince George Symphony Orchestra, the Concert Society, and St. Michael’s Anglican Church. She also served provincially on the Library Development Commission and the Heritage Trust, and was a judge for the Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for books on local history. She and George were also involved with the grassroots movement that led to establishment of the University of Northern British Columbia, and she was a loyal supporter of the university even after she left Prince George. In 2001, Mum moved back to Oak Bay, to the address of her childhood home, though she rebuilt the house. She enjoyed the intellectual and cultural activities in Victoria, and was a strong supporter of the Victoria Symphony, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Royal B.C. Museum, among many others, and a steadfast member of St. Mary’s Anglican Church (Oak Bay), which she had attended as a child. Throughout our lives, all of us received the benefit of her patience, her unstinting and unconditional love, her gently-expressed disapproval, her support, her impeccable manners and her wonderfully gentle sense of humour and fun. It seemed the kettle was always on in Mum’s kitchen, and the tins full of home baking for all who visited. She exemplified grace, dignity, and loving kindness.
We would like to thank the Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria Hospice staff.
A funeral service will be held at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Oak Bay (Elgin Road) at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2015.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Anglican Church, the BCSPCA, Knowledge Network, or Pacific Opera Victoria.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Ellie and Tom Grogan
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Meredith Low A lovely obituary for a lovely woman. I have fond memories of your mom, who I thought of as being so very kind and gracious, to children and adults alike. It’s wonderful to see the listing of all the ways she served the community. I wish you all peace and strength at this time, and hope all are well. If any of you are in Toronto (where I live now) I hope you’ll look me up. I used to hear news of all of you through my father, but of course he’s also passed away. All my best wishes, and I’m so glad to have known your mother.
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Elizabeth Laugharne Having been introduced to Daphne by her longtime friend, Barbara Watt, I knew her only briefly. But I will never forget her beautiful smile and cheery greeting whenever our paths crossed at St. Mary’s Church concerts and bookstore, ChurchMouse.! I will also remember how graciously but firmly she spoke at our Bishop’s workshop upholding the importance of the survival of our church community. A great lady, May she rest in peace.
Elizabeth Laugharne
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Ken & Kathryn Sorry we’ve been out of town at this time, but our condolences and good wishes go out to you from afar. As her neighbours, we always enjoyed our conversations with Daphne. We will miss her.. Hope you find comfort in many special memories….
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Kim Steel To Andrew, Elizabeth, Matthew, and Jennifer –
What a wonderful testament to, and for, an exceptional lady. I remember the cups of tea, the gentle art of learning manners at the Baldwin family table, and the wonderful knowledge of the language of flowers that your mom taught me. Thank you for sharing her with this world. My prayers are with you and all your family at this time.
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The Gelman Family Dear Elizabeth
On behalf of all the Gelman family I send all our love and sympathy on the passing of your Mum. You are very much in our thoughts at this time. We know how close you were to your Mum, who we remember as a kind, gentle and dignified lady.
With all our love
The Gelmans
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Alison (Marshall) McLane Thinking of you Elizabeth and of course, your siblings. Wishing you a showering of blessings from loved ones.
xo Alison and Aidan
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Mavis, Jane, Roger and David ( Helen ) Bartell We extend our heartfelt condolences to you on the passing of Daphne.
Especially we hold in fond remembrance all the wonderful occasions hosted by Daphne and George at the Baldwin home. For so many years, these were something special to look forward to in the Christmas season.
We remember Daphne’s generosity, kindness, good humour, and gentility. And we send to all of you warm thoughts of caring.
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Peter Chance To Andrew ,Elizabeth, Mathew and Jennifer and your families please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your dear mother
Sincerely
Peter Chance
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Louise McColl What a testimony. The obituary and many condolences speak of what a special woman Daphne was. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Louise
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Dan and Angie McDermid Our condolences, Elizabeth and Anthony, on the passing of your mother. Our prayers are with you and your family at this time. An amazing woman indeed. With love, Dan and Angie.
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Elsa and Raymond Eoth Dearest Elizabeth,
We were so sorry to hear from Anthony of your mother’s passing. We know how close you were and know what a huge void her passing will leave in your life and indeed in the lives of all the family. You’re moving obituary spoke volumes about the kind of person she was – I wish we could have met her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family at this sad time- wish we could be there with you. We send you big hugs and much love.
Raymond and Elsa
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Erin Canning I had the pleasure of doing Mrs. Baldwin’s hair for many years. What a wonderful woman. The word I would use to sum up who I saw her as, is a lady. She was very much a lady. She was proper and carried herself with grace and poise. She was also liberal minded and very clever. I’m a better person for having known her.
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Gadija and Allan Dearest Elizabeth,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Sending lots of hugs,
Gadija
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Katia Valdeos Dear Elizabeth and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Daphne’s passing. I met Daphne during one of her visits to see Elizabeth in Leeds, England. She was a kind and sweet lady. I especially remember her gentle manner and friendliness toward me even though we had just met. She really made an impression on me at the time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you,
Katia
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Anne Muirhead So sorry to read of the death of Daphne she will be missed. My condolences and sympathies to her family.
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Donna (Pitre) Millar To the Baldwin Family:
My deepest condolences to you for the loss of your sweet Mum. She was indeed a gentle soul who left a lasting impression on any of us who had the pleasure of being on the peripherals of her life. My thoughts & prayers are with your family at this time.
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Morag Kelpin (Duncan) I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. I remember “Aunt Daphne” as a kind, soft spoken and caring woman. Aunt Daphne and Uncle George were my parents first friends when they immigrated to Canada and landed themselves in Prince George. In the Baldwin manner, they welcomed them with open and generous arms, embracing my parents as family. It is no wonder they stayed dear friends. My thoughts are with you.
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Theresa Healy Daphne was a role model and a mentor to me and I valued and enjoyed the time we worked together on local history and heritage maters in PG. She is missed already. My sympathies to the family.
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Ramona Rose, My sincere condolences to the Baldwin Family. I was fortunate to know Daphne through her interests in local history and culture of Prince George and that of the creation of UNBC. We had many pleasant conversations about those early years and we are fortunate to have her holdings here in the archives.
May you be blessed with many happy memories of her.
Sincerely, Ramona Rose, Northern BC Archives, UNBC
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Susan Tindale (Rubadeau) I wanted to send a note and say I’m sorry for your loss.I have very fond memories of your Mom as one of my Brownie leaders,”Brown Owl”Your mother was a soft spoken lady with a ton of patience in dealing with some very active 8 and 9 years olds My childhood memories filled with working hard for the badges and remembering the alphabet in sign language( which to this day I still remember!!)
Your Mother did an amazing job raising all of you~
May you have many happy memories of her
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Grant Biggings My prayers and sympathy are with you as you grieve the loss of your mom. Truly she was an amazing person to have raised such a wonderful family. She must be very proud of you all. No doubt she is resting comfortably with our Lord Jesus and exemplified His love to you and all who knew her. Peace and blessings to you all.
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Hilliard Clare My sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. The Baldwins were good friends
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Deborah Parks I met your mother, Daphne, only a few times and my lasting impression is “Here is a true gentle lady”. I am certain she will be missed. My condolences.
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Susan Hart What a splendid, multi-faceted, and admirable life! I am a colleague of Susan Baldwin’s and never met Daphne Baldwin, but certainly heard about her as Susan spoke of her with such affection, and concern for her wellbeing. This lady has left a wonderful legacy and also sets an example to admire and strive for! I’m sure she will be mightily missed and celebrated.
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Merle Martin So sorry for the loss of your Mum. I treasure the memory of your Mum in her home in Prince George comfortable in the blend of baking, gardening, pets and people coming and going, Landrover parts, camping equipment, theatre tickets and fine china. She had a full life.
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Beth Sanders and Peter Spearey From Edmonton, we send our love and prayers to your family.
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Karen Clare Sorry to hear about your Mom.
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Colleen Milne I am so sorry for your loss Matthew (and your family)! What a beautiful and heart-warming Obituary for you mum. It’s very clear how much she was loved and will always be remembered. BIG HUGS….Thinking of you and yours at this sad time.
Colleen
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Melanie Perkins Matthew, Susan and siblings: We are very sorry to hear of the passing of your mum.
I remember her fantastic Christmas letters with the news of all her travels. She was an amazing lady. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.Melanie Perkins, Patrick O’Connor and Stephanie Beaton (Perkins)
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Ronalynn and Lorne Butler Our love and prayers are with all of your family at this difficult time. Your Mum was a real sweetie and we know she will be greatly missed.
Dear Elizabeth,
We are presently in London visiting family and friends. I was so sorry to see that your mom has passed away since we came here, and am so sorry to miss her funeral service. I enjoyed visiting with your mom so much in the eleven years we have lived in Victoria, after moving from Prince George. It was so great to share our love of Victoria Symphony and Pacific Opera in our conversations together. When we get back to Canada, I will send a card to you, Andrew, Jennifer and Matthew and make a donation in your mom’s memory to Pacific Opera.
All the best to you and Anthony from Ellie and Tom Grogan.