Shortly after joyously celebrating her 100th birthday, Lavonne passed away July 25, 2020. Born in Victoria, BC, July 10, 1920 to Frederick and Mabel Purves, Lavonne was the youngest of seven brothers and sisters.
Predeceased by husbands Alexander Craigmyle (1983) and Ernie Wirtanen (2010), daughter Dereen Hildebrand (2004), son Robert Craigmyle (2017), Amanda Craigmyle (2019), infant grandson Alexander Hildebrand (1992).
Lavonne is lovingly remembered by sons Don and David Craigmyle, son-in-law Pete Hildebrand (Trish), and step-son Richard Wirtanen. She was ever so proud and supportive of her grandchildren Sylvia (Simon), Meghan (Tony), Holly (Mark), Riley (Erin) and Breanna (Kelly) in their various pursuits and life accomplishments, and was thoroughly delighted by her great-grandchildren Carter, Jeanie, Declan, Oliver and Harley. Lavonne cherished the love and support of her extended family. She is dearly missed by Marion Craigmyle and fondly remembered by Kay Treadgold, many nieces, nephews, friends and her Sunrise Family.
Lavonne enjoyed a full career as a nurse and nursing instructor at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing. Affectionately known as ‘Punky’ by her sisters and old friends, Lavonne had a knack for finding laughter in any situation. She loved being a homemaker and hostess; she made everyone feel welcome, and fresh-baked goods were always stored within kids’ reach. She enjoyed sewing, knitting and needlework, played a mean game of both Scrabble and Crib, and could whip up a costume for any occasion. Lavonne loved the outdoors, particularly camping and sailing when her children were young, and later, lawn bowling and traveling. Picnics were always a highlight. She was honest, humble and generous, and spent her life caring for and supporting others. The well-being of her family, extended family and friends was always her greatest concern.
Lavonne was loved and cared for by the staff at Sunrise Assisted Living for many years.
The family will prepare a special memorial in the future. Flowers gratefully declined. Donations in Lavonne’s memory, if desired, may be made to St Aidan’s United Church or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com.
Tracy Middleton
I’m very sorry for your loss Don. I know how much your Mom meant to you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sylvia and Marion. Lavonne will be missed!
Tracy
Don Wilkes
Farewell, Lavonne. I shall miss your happy face in the front row when we sing Christmas carols at Sunrise. Surrounded by family and little ones,you made the season come home to me, and, I’m sure, the rest of the choir.
Breanna
We love you grandma, fly high and kiss mom for me. Xox
Ernest J Cordonier
Don and David
My sincere condolences.
May we all live to be 100 in good health.
This ends an era of the Purves Clan.
My sad respects.
Ernie Cordonier
Peter A. Boldt
I know how much you loved your mother and how much you did to make her happy. She is at peace and well deserved rest. Her memory will sustain you through these difficult times.
May the presence of the Spiri of God sustain you and David.t
You lived and taught to make teachers respected and I am proud of you and your accomplishments
Betty Anne Dempsey
Deepest condolences, Don and Family…Lavonne was a very lovely lady who shared her life so beautifully and loved her family dearly. She will be missed…
Virginia Landucci
It’s with sadness we accept the passing of Lavonne. Always smiling, always positive, always very loving and caring not just to family, but for those of us who considered her a special friend. Our Ted Boulden Singers Choir will miss our annual Pre-Christmas visits to Sunrise Residence on Humboldt to sing for Lavonne and the other residence. Many of us had the privilege to gather on Humboldt Street to wish her a Happy 100th birthday and witness her complete joy and happiness. It was a day all of us will remember. You were always a very classy lady, Lavonne, and may God surround you with the peace and joy that you deserve for a life well lived.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Lavonne Wirtanen Craigmyle nee Purves July 10 1920 July 25 2020..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Décès pour la Ville: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique