Rena Lynn Chase

She was predeceased by her brother, Bob, and her parents, Mannie and Pearl Bowman. She is survived by her husband, David; her children, Todd (Gen), Terry (Connie), Gina (Gary), and Ben (Hayley); her brother Gary (Monique), and sister Peggy; grandchildren, Deanna, Tyson, Corbin, David, Adrianna, Uriah and Catalina; and great grandchild, Jaxon, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Rena Lynn and David married in Lynn Valley, North Vancouver in 1966. After Todd and Terry arrived, they moved to Salt Spring Island, where Gina was born. Ben was born in St. Catharines, Ontario, where they lived for two years before returning to Salt Spring Island. In 1980 Summerland became home for 26 years, followed by 16 years in retirement on Mayne Island.

While raising four children and supporting her husband’s career, Rena Lynn maintained an eagerness to grow. Over the years she pursued courses from Niagara College, Okanagan College, UBC Okanagan, SFU, and UBC, often receiving top marks. She obtained a general arts degree followed by a degree in social work, becoming a social worker at Interior Health in Kelowna for ten years where she was rewarded with many thanks from families for her help and effectiveness.

Rena Lynn always had a thirst for new experiences. Highlights included trips to Mexico, India, Belgium, France, walking the Camino de Santiago, Iceland, Haida Gwaii, Yukon River, and a solo trip to the British Isles. Rena loved to travel by train for the social dining and meeting people from other places. She participated in personal and spiritual growth, attending Naramata Centre, Indralaya, Hollyhock, Ashrams, Vipassana retreats, and repeated trips to Krotona, in Ojai California. She took hospice training, worked on the Penticton Crisis Line, and was involved in women’s groups and book clubs, where she loved to have deep, and engaging conversations.

Although Rena denied being creative person, she spent countless hours designing renovations, decorating, and landscaping each of the 10 homes she and Dave owned over the years. She had a love of plants, beauty, innovation, and caring for the environment. In Summerland she joyfully opened a craft shop at Creekside Cottages selling wares from local artists and bringing back to life the original purpose of the log cabin on the property there.

Rena had a lifelong love of singing and dancing, and in her years of decline from Alzheimer’s disease, music and singing never ceased to bring her joy, and she would sing to anyone and everyone she met, right up until her last days. In losing some social inhibitions with the disease, what shone through was Rena’s love of people, children, and animals, frequently telling people what a beautiful smile, or child, or pet they had, as well as her graciousness, gratitude, and sense of humour.

Rena Lynn’s intrepid and colourful spirit will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on March 17th at 2 pm at First Memorial in Victoria on Falaise Drive.

The family wishes to thank the Mayne Island Assisted Living Society, Alzheimer's society of BC, the Memory Cafe program, the Voices in Motion choir, and friends who spent time with Rena to give Dave some respite.

Condolences, memories and photos can be shared on the First Memorial obituary page