Elizabeth Jumao-As MacPherson

Elizabeth was born on October 22, 1941, in Dayhagon, Medellin, Cebu, Philippines. She was known for her wit, generosity, strength, and warmth, and she touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

In pursuit of a better life and a meaningful career, Elizabeth immigrated to the United States, settling in Houston, Texas, where she began her nursing career. Her dedication, compassion, and skill guided her throughout her life. From there, she immigrated to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, where she continued to advance in her profession—eventually becoming a head nurse working alongside Cardiac Surgeons in the Heart Cath Lab at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Her commitment to caring for others left an enduring impact on countless patients and colleagues.

Some of her happiest days were spent in Sooke, where she loved fishing with her husband, Gerald MacPherson. Together, they built a business called Bait Buster, creating fishing lures that became popular throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Elizabeth and Gerry also loved to travel, and one of their most meaningful traditions was returning to the Philippines—especially around Christmas—to give back to the community. Every year, they brought Christmas gifts to the children in the town, sharing joy and generosity with those who needed it most. When they weren’t travelling, they loved spending evenings dancing together and sharing a bottle of wine.

Her most impactful contribution was helping others find a new beginning. Elizabeth sponsored many families, helping them immigrate from the Philippines to Canada. Her generous and courageous actions changed countless lives for the better, providing a strong foundation for their futures. She truly made a brighter tomorrow possible for many.

Elizabeth is survived by her extended family, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, and is preceded in death by her husband, Gerald MacPherson.

Her family will forever cherish her generous heart, her bravery, her quick wit, and the courageous, stubborn spirit that made her uniquely herself. Despite her small frame, she carried a voice and presence that filled every room. Nothing brought her more happiness than her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, whom she loved with all her heart. Her legacy of love, resilience, compassion, and dedication will live on in all who were fortunate enough to know her.

For her final wishes, she simply wanted all her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren gathered in the house—just as they always did—filling the rooms with conversation, laughter, and the familiar joy of big family dinner parties.

A donation may be made in memory of Elizabeth MacPherson to the BC Cancer Foundation or the Canadian Red Cross.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.