Kathleen Mary Stokes

With love and sadness we announce the death of Kathleen Stokes on June 1, 2021 at the age of 97 in Victoria BC. Her loving husband of 59 years, Geoff, predeceased her in 2003.

Mum will be missed by her children Jackie (Dave), Geoff (Leanne), Tim (Heather) and her sister, Eileen and her family. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Andy, Jane, Ashley, Jill, Jonathan and Will and their families as well as by her four great-grandchildren.

Kathleen, born and raised in Britain, was proud to serve as a ”land girl” in the Women’s Land Army during World War II. She and Geoff married in 1944, had two children and in 1957 the family immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg. Life on the prairies welcomed a new son to the family and introduced Kathleen to new friends, new neighbours and new skills such as curling at the Pembina Curling Club. In 1982 Kathleen and Geoff retired to Victoria. There they enjoyed family and making new friends. They travelled extensively in Europe and made frequent trips to Winnipeg.

Family was central to Mum’s life and she inspired us with her kindness, wit and competence as a wife, mother and grandmother. One of her greatest joys was having us all gathered around the dinner table. Always one to share, she volunteered her time with the Arthritis Society, Veterans Memorial Lodge, Anawim House, Our Lady of the Assumption Church, Sacred Heart Church and the Jolly Nyeko Foundation Canada. She was an accomplished painter. Painting watercolours of local landscapes (especially trees) gave her great pleasure and satisfaction. Also a formidable knitter, Kathleen kept the whole family cozy with sweaters, mitts and toques and delighted us with her knitted animals and character dolls. Her good-hearted cheer and sense of fun will be missed especially by her many friends who were dear to her.

Heartfelt thanks to staff at Amica Somerset and, Amica at the Gorge for their compassionate and professional care.

A celebration/memorial will be held at a later date when we are all able to travel and gather to-gether again.

Simple acts of kindness will honour Kathleen’s memory as well as supporting a charity of your choice or one that assists the less fortunate.