Lois Margaret Downman

Predeceased by her parents, Julia and Harold Snider; husband, James (Jim) Downman; and brother, Jim Snider. Lovingly remembered by her children, Deb, Barb (Ian Talbot), Dave (Jamie Disbrow); and grandson, Ian Downman. She will also be missed by her extended family and many friends and neighbours from Victoria and Parksville.

Lois was born in Edmonton, Alberta, and relocated to Victoria, BC with her family when she was a young girl. She attended South Park Elementary School and Victoria High School, excelling in academics, sports and fine arts.

Lois married Jim in 1955 and soon afterwards relocated to Duncan. During their five years in Duncan, her three children were born, keeping Lois very busy. Nevertheless, she continued with her creative pursuits, sewing, painting, gardening and preserving. In 1962, when a career opportunity arose for Jim, the family relocated back to Victoria.

In 1963 they moved into a newly built house on Diana Road. The close-knit neighbourhood on Diana Road was an ideal location for raising a family. Lois and Jim appreciated the many friendships, gatherings and adventures engaged in with the Diana Road gang over the decades. Lois participated in volunteer activities in the community and took on a variety of part time employment – sewing costumes, customizing sport team outfits, tax preparation. Once her children were older, she returned to full time employment. She worked in administrative services at Sears before retiring a few years after Jim.

During their retirement years, Lois and Jim enjoyed more time for dog walking, gardening, boating, RV’ing in Canada and the US and many travel adventures overseas, connecting with relatives and making new friends along the way.

In 1999, Lois and Jim relocated to Parksville into their dream retirement home (no stairs!). It was the beginning of a new adventure and they immediately set about making more friends, joining the newcomers club, playing bridge and getting to know their new neighbours.

Following Jim’s death in 2015, Lois continued to live in her home and engaged in the many activities she enjoyed. Lois was very grateful for the kind assistance of many neighbours, friends and family who helped her stay in her home when her health started to decline. Sadly a rapid downturn in her health in early 2024 necessitated a move into long-term care in Nanaimo. The Downman family would like to thank the caring staff at Dufferin Place for the excellent care provided to Lois during her final year.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Service of Remembrance, Celebration and Thanksgiving for the Life of Lois Downman at 1pm on Thursday, September 18 at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, located at 5800 Church Road, Duncan.

For further information, please contact Deb at [email protected] or call 250-818-1993.

Donations to Dufferin Place in memory of Lois can be made through the Nanaimo and District Hospital Foundation (www.nanaimohospitalfoundation.com). Select Dufferin Place from the drop down menu.