Madge (née Dinsdale) Page

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Madge Page (née Dinsdale) on December 28th, 2024 at Dufferin Place, Nanaimo, British Columbia. Born March 3, 1922 in Settle, England, she is survived by her brothers Keith Dinsdale and Christopher Dinsdale, her granddaughters Katharine Sidenius and Sarah Champoux, great grandchildren Megan, Paige, Aïla and Loïk, as well as many nieces and nephews in both Canada and England. She is pre-deceased by her husband, Dudley Page and her daughter Patricia.

Madge grew up in a large family on Cuttock Clough Farm in Clitheroe, England. She never forgot her roots nor lost her Yorkshire accent. She married Dudley during war time, and had their only daughter while posted in Scotland. In 1956, they made the long journey to Canada to immigrate, eventually settling in Victoria, which they made home for many decades. Madge and Dudley could be found either swimming at the YMCA or golfing at the Cedar Hill Golf Course. No matter where they were, they had a daily routine of activity, which notably included hours and hours of tending the rose garden.

After Dudley’s passing, Madge moved to Qualicum Bay to start a new business with her daughter. Vacation Village RV Park was born out of hard work, and the beautiful gardens throughout the property that remain today are a testament to her tenacity. Her hands were still stained with soil when she finally moved into assisted living at The Gardens at Qualicum Beach at the age of 93. Madge remained a stubborn and independent spirit at the facility, where nobody dared sit in her yellow chair in the common area. She was sad to leave her community to transfer to Dufferin Place after breaking her pelvis at the age of 99.

Despite her resistance at first, Madge settled in to Dufferin Place quite easily and their remarkable care helped her have a meaningful final chapter. We are forever thankful for the staff and team who coordinated weekly Facetime calls, ensured she always had a cup of tea in hand, and provided the excellent company and care she needed.

Madge remained, at heart, an English farm girl. She took nothing for granted, worked for everything she had, and loved her family beyond measure. She was a believer in spirituality and was confident that those who have passed send us messages and signs. And so, we look forward to hearing from her soon.