Renice was born on February 22, 1944 in Scone, New South Wales, Australia. She passed away, with her children by her side, after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, on Friday August 20, 2021 in the home she loved so much. She was predeceased by both her parents.
Renice is survived by her daughter Delpheen (Darryl), her sons Trent (Jenny), and Bryce (Helen), and her grandchildren, Quynne, Madoc, Tor, and Elsa. She also leaves behind her brothers Gary (Helen) and John (Diane) and their families in Australia. We know that, despite the distance between them, they were always in her heart. Though impossible to mention them all, Delpheen, Trent, and Bryce would also like to thank Renice’s many close and much-loved friends, who became a second family to her. You helped provide our mom with so much love, friendship and care over the years – Thank you, from our hearts.
On a trip around the world when she was 22, Renice fell in love with Canada and the West Kootenays and never returned to live in Australia. She settled in Fruitvale and was a very well-respected teacher in the area at a variety of schools. In addition to her many achievements as a teacher, she also completed her Master’s Degree late in her career from the University of San Diego. Renice was always incredibly active and athletic, lived a life of adventure, and marched to the beat of her own drum. Her outdoor activities included canoeing, orienteering, swimming, and tennis, some of which she actively competed in and earned medals at the BC Games and BC Senior games. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Renice wrote, directed, cast, produced, and performed in many local stage productions. A great testimony to her intelligence, ability, and love for life are the children’s books she wrote chronicling her many adventures, with characters modeled after her grandchildren. When she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Renice took on that challenge with the utmost of courage – she organized a Parkinson’s exercise group, as well as annual Parkinson’s Walks; she made many good friends along the way who were facing many of the same battles and our thoughts and prayers remain with each of you.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Our thanks, to the numerous people who supported Renice throughout her battle with Parkinsons Disease including CSIL helpers, IHA professionals and a multitude of others from many walks of life.
As an expression of sympathy, your donations made in Renice’s memory to the Pacific Parkinsons Research Institute will help others in the fight against the disease that extinguished her light.
« Forever Loved, Forever Remembered »
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Renice Vera Townsend August 20th 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique