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.
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Mary Gay Brooks
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Ron and Sandy 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.
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Gerry/Stephanie Lister 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
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Nanda Joe Jon and family:
My sincere condolences to you and the family.
Nanda
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Pei Mei Chia 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.
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June Anderson 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
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Derek and Brenda Chow 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
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Willie and Jane Eng 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
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Dana Koo 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.
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Dave & Jeanette Kinney 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
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Pam @ Brian 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
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robert & Barbara Struthers 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.
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Roberta Jones 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.
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Peter & cynthia Leung 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
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Julia Steele 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
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Pinky & Bonita Mar 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
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carol mcneill 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
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Bill and Evie Snowdon What a very special quality lady Verna was.
Our hearts go out to you at this time
Sincerely
Evie and Bill Snowdon
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Karen Whyte 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
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Bill and Evie Snowdon What a very special quality lady Verna was.
Our hearts go out to you at this time.
Bill and Evie Snowdon
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Cairine and Fred Green 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
Dear Charlayne & family
I was so sorry to learn of your dear mother’s passing. Although I did not know her and only met her ever so briefly when you were giving Judy Fong Bates & I a tour of Chinatown, I remember your mother very well. What I remember was her brightness, There was such a sparkle about her eyes and warmth in her smile as she sat at the mahjong table enjoying her games & her friends. She made such an impression on me and was a lady I would have liked to have known better & I am sure you and her family and friends will always treasure times spent with her.
With sincere sympathy, Mary Gay