Olive was born into a family of 5 sisters and 1 brother on June 25, 1927 in the community of Shellbrook, Alberta (very near Prince Albert). She was of Irish, Dutch and French descent. Olive lived in both Alberta and BC, and within her marriages, had 4 children: Lance Kayll, Lee Kayll, Drew Kayll, and Mary Kayll.

 Olive loved work and started her first job at the age of 16. Later, as leisure allowed, Olive enjoyed travel with her husband Jack, as well as bridge, reading; she relished being deeply involved with her family and the community.

 On a personal note, Olive was dedicated to her daily spiritual practice of Transcendental Meditation (TM), started in 1970, while living in Williams Lake.

 Working in both radio and newspaper – Olive rose to Manager of the Williams Lake Tribune for some time, assisting publisher Clive Stangoe, until 1975.

 In the 80s, she and beloved husband Jack, moved from Rimbey, Alberta to live in “Sidney by the Sea”.They were both enticed and enthralled after viewing and then purchasing a property at Water’s Edge Village in Saanichton.

 Olive was very proud of her and husband Jack’s service work with the Order of Eastern Star (an offshoot of the Masons), and for a time, they both thrived holding the positions of Worthy Matron and Worthy Patron within the Order.

 Olive loved to be engaged within her community. She thoroughly enjoyed volunteering both her time and energy to her retirement home at Amica Beechwood and even volunteered as “Chair” to the Board of Residents. Olive thrived while living in her retirement home; she so enjoyed everyone there.

 Among others, a very special thank you and acknowledgment to Olive’s table mates: Audrey Girard, Judy McDonald, Elly Linekin, Marina Emmond, who all helped to make Olive’s time at Beechwood rich with visits and meaningful relationships.

 

     

Mona May Mayer (68) passed away peacefully on September 5^th, 2023, at 5:00pm in Victoria, BC with her loving son close and her sister by her side.

Born May 31^st, 1955, in Whitehorse Yukon, Mona lived a life of love and care for her family, friends and especially her son, Justin. With her two siblings Sherry and Barry, and the rest of her extended family including Aunt Betty, she touched many people with her intelligence and her love for planet earth, animals, plants, flowers and all living beings.

Mona loved animals, was a vegan and had an intense passion for natural solutions and health. She loved arts and crafts, starting with sewing and quilting including making her own clothes and eventually taking up fine art painting. Her painting talents flourished, and she even got to the point of selling her artworks and prints. Numerous stores had her cards on display, and she sold more than she ever imagined when she first started. Her painting was her biggest accomplishment in life however she would say it was being a mother to her son. Always helping and loving him she would make any sacrifice for him, and she was truly a special and great mother.

Mona was a very nice lady to most people she met and while strong-willed and stubborn she was easily accommodating, worrying more about other people’s feelings and wellbeing than her own. She would give you the shirt off her back if you were feeling cold, only asking you to do the same in return if she needed. She had an intense love for nature and loved the fresh smell of the forest more than anyone. Drawn to nature and animals, she wanted to change and save the planet. Mona knew there was a problem with the Ozone layer before science ever publicized it as such, and she wanted to synthesize ozone to help with the warming planet.

Mona was an avid gardener and florist. She loved gardening and getting her hands dirty with plants and flowers. Wherever she lived she always had a robust and flourishing garden, often including a vegetable plot. Her green thumb was amazing yet to her she was just an amateur, always with great admiration for those she deemed more experienced or talented. Humble to the core, Mona lived a troubled life cut too short but a life full of perseverance and strength. She overcame many problems in her life to be successful in whatever she was doing, whether waitressing, gardening or painting.

She will be remembered by her family and friends and many people she touched with her Art or passions. She loved them more than anyone will ever know. When her time came to go into the Hospital her true colors showed and she faced it with humor and strength, making many nurses and friends and family laugh at her funny jokes and sense of humor. She will truly be missed by many.

Mona did not want a service, just to be cremated and have her goods sold at auction. Her son kept her wishes. Her website monamay.ca and art will be celebrated and maintained with art cards, prints and more available for sale, and is the best way to celebrate and remember her.

Family announces the passing of beloved Maria Teresa Tavares (nee: Texeira) at the age of 95 years young.

Maria was born May 19, 1928 at Santa Barbara, Soa Miguel, Azores. She emigrated to Canada in 1957, and after moving around for a bit, settled in Dryden, Ontario. In her later years, she moved to Sidney, BC.

Maria was a very industrious, talented and family oriented force of nature. She was an avid gardener, seamstress, chef; a jack of all trades who lived her life of faith with grace.

She is survived by three daughters, Rose (Mario), Filomena, Cecilia (Allan), grandchildren Sandra, Dino, Teresa, Jason, Darcie, Jenny, Sarah, Paris, Paul and Laura. Maria is also survived by 14 great grandchildren, brothers in law, Moses and Lino and many nieces and nephews.

Maria was predeceased by her parents, her siblings and beloved husband, Luis Tavares.

A funeral service for Maria will take place Thursday, September 28 at 1:00 pm at St. Elizabeth’s Church in Sidney, BC.

Paul was a free spirit who embraced every adventure life had to offer, leaving a legacy of joy, music and cherished memories.

Paul’s zest for life was evident from an early age.  He had an insatiable love for the great outdoors, finding solace in camping trips, kayaking excursions and the simple pleasure of walking along on a west coast beach. Nature was his sanctuary and he reveled in its beauty.

Beyond his love for the outdoors, Paul was a gifted musician, enchanting the hearts of those around him with his songs on the keyboard & guitar. His music was a source of comfort and inspiration, always bringing a smile to the faces of friends and family fortunate enough to hear him.

Paul’s spirit lives on in the hearts of those who were closest to him.  He will be deeply missed by his loving sister Tina and brother Robert, both residing in Calgary.  His friend Dawn, with whom he shared countless adventures, will forever treasure their time together. In addition to his immediate family, Paul leaves behind a wide circle of friends, caring aunts and cousins who were touched by his warm adventurous spirit and caring nature. His impact on their lives is immeasurable, and his memory will forever be cherished.

As we remember Paul, we celebrate a life lived to the fullest, a love of nature, and the enduring gift of music that he shared.  His legacy lives on in the memories we hold dear, and he will always be in our hearts.