Erie Jacqueline Vockeroth passed away December 7th, 2020 with her daughter Nadine at her side at Sunrise care home in Victoria, BC. She leaves behind her four children – Paula (Lishman), Glenn (Donna Doerksen), Tom (Carol) and Nadine Vockeroth (Paul Schipper) as well as eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Erie was born in Keeler, Saskatchewan to Violet and Clarence Edgar Holmes on April 21st, 1928, the third of five children. The family moved to Saskatoon shortly thereafter and that was where Erie was wooed by Bob Vockeroth and they eventually married in 1948.
Over the next nine years, the couple moved to Montreal, Toronto, Goose Bay and then back to the Toronto area where they settled, and the children attended school. It was there that Erie obtained her teaching qualifications and later her Bachelor of Library Science. She was a passionate educator who was well-loved by her students and fellow staff. She also played piano beautifully, both classically and had sung and played in a jazz band in Goose Bay in the early 1950’s.
Erie loved to travel, which she did extensively with Bob, notably to Japan, and then to Europe, Africa, Asia and South America. They relocated to the West Coast and spent many years summering in Burnaby and wintering in Mexico. Erie had also learned pottery and became an accomplished painter, an activity that she enjoyed right into her final days.
Erie was a gentle, kind and engaging person. People were naturally drawn to the warmth of her character and openness of spirit. Although she endured severe and crippling rheumatoid arthritis, she was rarely if ever heard to complain.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Sunrise home in Victoria. They provided a wonderful home and went above and beyond in their care for Erie over the past two years.
Erie’s ashes will be placed under a fruit tree at the Lishman home at Purple Hill beside those of her loving husband of 67 years, Bob, who passed away in 2014.
In lieu of flowers, donations to First Book Canada (firstbookcanada.org) would appeal to Erie’s lifelong love of encouraging children to read. Alternatively, a donation to your local food bank would be appreciated. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Erie Jacqueline Vockeroth August 21 1928 December 7 2020..
mccall gardens funeral and cremation service
Death notice for the town of: Victoria, Province: Colombie britanique