Enid passed away early March 9, 2015 at the age of 96. She had the fortune of a happy and full life and will be deeply missed. Enid epitomized grace, gave respect and unconditional love. She had a charm that made everyone feel comfortable and welcome.
The family will always be grateful for the attention and care she received from staff and friends while at the Extended Care Wing at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. Our family gives thanks for the very compassionate care of Dr. Valerie Cowan and Dr. Wilson. We salute her long-time roommates Lillian Friederich and Stasia Newcomb for their friendship.
Enid was born in Edgerton Alberta, February 11, 1919 to Phoebe (Smith) and Charles Waite, the fourth of seven children.
Enid developed her amazing cooking skills at the Terrace Hotel where she met the love of her life, Peter van Stolk, recently arrived from Holland. Enid and Peter became trailblazers in establishing the cultivation of greenhouse grapes and tomatoes in northern BC.
The family moved to Quadra Island via Victoria in 1959. Enid became involved with the Quadra community teaching kindergarten, leading the Brownies/Girl Guides and breeding Cairn terriers while maintaining the small farm with Peter.
Returning to live in Victoria in 1969, Enid was respected as a preschool educator at Countryside, Gordon Head and Tsartlip Preschools. Later, she purchased and operated Hart House Retirement Home in Fairfield with cousins Georgie and Bessie.
She travelled to see her family as often as possible with trips to to Calgary, Texas, Hawaii, Ireland, Cuba and Mexico. She was one of the first "western tourists" to visit China in the early 1970's.
Enid was predeceased by her husband Peter (1900-1984), and granddaughter Laura. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Betty Lee Thompson, her husband Grant, granddaughter Mia; son, Peter, his wife Doreen, grandsons Peter and Patrick; son Dan, his wife Lea, granddaughter Ali; daughter Ivy Reynolds, her husband Del, grandchildren Peter, Louanne, great-granddaughter Alison; son Herb Frandle.
Beloved by sisters Irene Sparkes of Calgary, Alberta, Betty Lee Porter of Tulsa, Oklahoma, brother Dan and sister in law Alice Waite of Independence, Missouri, Enid was predeceased by sisters Doris Waite, Grace Jensen and brother Dr. Verne Waite. Enid was treasured and loved by many nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place.
A memorial celebration will take place 2 pm, Saturday, May 2, 2015 at St. Stephens Church Hall, 7921 St Stephens Rd (off Mt Newton Cross Road.) The building is walker and wheelchair accessible.
We encourage you to find comfort in your memories. Flowers gratefully declined. Should you wish to make a donation in her name, Enid received talking books and support from CNIB (
www.cnib.ca) and held great admiration for the Doctors Without Borders (
www.doctorswithoutborders.org).
Published by The Times Colonist from Apr. 10 to Apr. 12, 2015.