Our dear Mom, Averil Kennedy, 89, passed away peacefully with her family at her side.
She was born and raised in East Vancouver, the youngest child of Ethel Victoria and David William James. Averil was predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Bob (2019) of 63 years, and her siblings Edna, Ethel, Billy and Mavis. She is survived by her children Stephen, Sheila (Earl) and Susan (Murray), her three grandchildren, Evan, Cameron, and Ella, and nieces and nephews.
Averil attended Templeton and Britannia schools where she forged many lifelong friendships. She had a vibrant social nature making friends wherever she went. She became an educator, teaching in North Vancouver and Mission BC. After marrying Bob in 1956, she taught in New Haven, Connecticut while Bob completed his PhD at Yale. Averil devoted her life to supporting her family and was active in many endeavors, committing time and energy to the Vancouver Museum, where she was a docent in the Education Department for more than 20 years, and serving on their Board of Directors for several terms. She enjoyed being a Board member of the UBC Faculty Women’s Club where she served as President for a number of years and was an active member of the book circulation and book discussion groups.
Averil had a zest for life and a quick wit and valued relationships with family and friends above all else. They regularly enjoyed hearing her many stories which she relished sharing. She appreciated all life had to offer, including music, reading, sharing tasty food, and travel. Mom savored her experiences visiting relatives in England, friends in Scotland, seeing the Cook Islands, travelling to Australia, New Zealand and Italy, and spending time in San Jose del Cabo. Mom valued education and challenged herself to learn new things. She had a wide vocabulary and an impressive way with words. She would have been a strong candidate on “Jeopardy” with her amazing trivia knowledge and innate intelligence!
Even in her final years where Mom faced numerous health challenges, significant losses, and the struggles of the pandemic, she demonstrated incredible resilience and strength and found ways to enjoy her days and share a smile with others. We were inspired by her every day and will always treasure her memory. Immense gratitude goes to the caring team at South Granville Park Lodge where she lived for the past two years, and to Dr. Bradley Fritz, her family physician for more than 40 years. We will be remembering Mom at a private celebration to be held at a later date.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Averil S Kennedy Apr. 16 1932 Oct. 8 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique