Our mum, Avril, left us early on May 12, 2022 after 80 years of bringing joy to everyone she met. Originally from Birkenhead, Merseyside, she is survived by her two sons, Gregory and Andrew, and her beloved granddaughter, Nadine.
Avril always had an adventurous spirit through her life, ever since travelling to Greece during her early years at Lincoln University studying for her physical education degree with her best friend, Marlene, then crossing the Atlantic Ocean with her husband, George, on the Empress liner in 1966, finally arriving in Vancouver after taking the train across the entire country.
Avril somehow managed to balance her family life with work as a Phys Ed teacher at Crofton House School as well as her love of tennis and field hockey. She coached the Crofton House 1st X1 to win the BC Provincial Championships in 1968. Given the enthusiasm we experienced from her perpetual and exuberant side-line support, it is no wonder that everyone she worked with found it easy to ‘lift their game’!
To say Avril was a ‘host(ess) with the most(ess)’ would be an understatement from her insistence on gathering all to celebrate a friends significant (or not so significant) birthday to meeting any and all of our friends and family that were to show up in the Arrival lounge at Vancouver International Airport (sometimes, at a moment’s notice). There was no end to Avril’s generosity of wisdom, spirit, empathy, and time, and she certainly extended these forwards to any and all with whom came into contact with.
No matter the challenges that Avril came through, especially in the more recent times with her diagnosis of multiple myeloma and subsequent stroke, she always looked forward, never back. I don’t know if our mum had any regrets because she just never had time for them! She was always busy connecting with friends and family, planning trips abroad and parties at home and none more important than the annual Christmas carol party where even the most tone deaf were made to feel as if they were a prima donna in her eyes (though it was noted that she hit the piano keys a little harder at those times)!
Avril left her mortal coil peacefully from Vancouver and a celebration of her life will occur on Friday, May 27th, 2022 at 1pm at St. Philips Church, 3737 W 27th Ave, Vancouver led by the Right Reverend John Stephens. All are welcome to attend, and our mum’s wishes are to wear bright colours (and any pearl jewellery) to reflect this celebration. There will be a reception after the service from 2.30 to 5pm at Point Grey Golf and Country Club, 3350 SW Marine Dr, Vancouver.
There will be a “Watch Now“ button at the top of the church website at stphilipsdunbar.com as well as a link posted for viewing after the service.
You all know how flowers lifted mum's spirits however we would ask that our mum's wishes are considered for donations to be made to the BC Cancer society www.bccancerfoundation.com.
Greg and I are ever so grateful to the staff at South Granville Park Lodge for their amazing care and support during her final months.
‘We cannot direct the winds, but we can adjust our sails.’
For those who wish to connect or share a memory with the family, you are welcome to leave a message or condolence.
www.firstmemorialnorthvancouver.com
First Memorial Funeral Services/Boal Chapel and Memorial Gardens 604-980-3451
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