Viola May Jenner

It is with great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Viola May Jenner in Nanaimo, BC after having the blessing of time to share laughs and stories with her children.

Viola is predeceased by her younger and only brother Ron Purdy. Ron and Vi used to waltz together on roller skates at The Terrace on Mutual St. as teenagers and adults so we imagine they will be joyfully back at it.

Loving mother to Valerie, Wayne (Julie), Laura Lee (Tony), and Brock (Grace), grandmother (Ola) to Olivia, Mathew, Christopher, and great-grandma to Lily and Hailey as well as an adoring Aunt to many nieces and nephews. Special mention to her cherished friends Wayne and Anna, they made many memories together and were great support over the years to one another.

Vi was born in Toronto Ontario to Tyyne Gertu Turunen (Linda) from Viipuri, Finland, and Ralph Spicer.  She married Fred Jenner in 1956 and together they raised their four children in the Beaches. After 22 good years, Fred and Vi consciously uncoupled... she was ahead of her time... and she remained in that home enjoying it for over 40 years. Vi started her career with a small fib, lucky for her it opened the door. Her thirst for knowledge and a lifelong love of learning moved her from misrepresenting her typing speed to commandeering a Lear Jet.  Vi held many positions over the years earning her the respect of both her frontline and management colleagues.  After a satisfying and successful career in the Federal Public Service eventually finishing in the field of Property Management in the RCMP, she shipped 9 boxes on the Greyhound bus and moved to Qualicum Beach BC in 2002 to enjoy her retirement and escape the snow.

Vi believed “There are no ordinary moments” and lived this philosophy through her passions of reading, painting, traveling, live theater, dancing and enjoying good food and wine with great company. She also loved being an extra in movies filmed around Toronto, with her most fun role as a bag lady. Vi was a cast member of the annual “Christmas Story” held at the Holy Trinity since childhood and the whole family took part for decades including her newborn granddaughter, Olivia, as baby Jesus. She will be fondly remembered for her beautiful open spirit that encouraged people to be who they were in her company.

Many thanks for the kindness and compassionate care of the staff at Nanaimo Hospital Palliative Care Unit, The Red Cross, and Astoria Assisted Living at Origins at Longwood, especially Nurse Ashley, made all the more special during these difficult COVID times.

Cremation has taken place and a private ceremony will be held by family to scatter her ashes, as Mom wanted.  If you find yourself on the waterfront at Qualicum Beach, BC have a rest on her Memorial bench.