Victoria Doreen LOCKER

LOCKER, Victoria Doreen April 8, 1941 - December 26, 2013 Our beautiful, stylish, kind and gentle Victoria died suddenly at sunrise, as the sky turned to a ruby brilliance. She was surrounded and embraced by her family. Pre-deceased by brother Christopher Johnson, she is survived by husband Charles, sons Peter (RaeLeigh) grandson William, and Christopher (Ann), her British and Canadian nieces and nephews Cameron, Jenn, Presley, Bryce, Shondra, James, sister Carol (David) brother-in-law Arnold (Stephanie) and sister-in-law Jennifer (John). Born in Bradford, England, Victoria moved to Whitby in Yorkshire at the age of 12 and worked in the family beauty business. She later met apprentice hair-stylist Charles, aged 16, on their way to a hairdressing show. When he picked her up in a mini bus the alluring young woman promptly announced she was vegetarian. Charles was amused and she kept him laughing ever since. They knew each other 54 years and were married for 47. Charles immigrated to Canada first and she joined him a year later, marrying here and continuing in the hair dressing business. Glamorous, gregarious, genuine and adventurous, Victoria spread lightheartedness wherever she went and instilled the golden rules in her sons. Endlessly encouraging, she used her intuition to read friends and strangers alike, and always said the right thing at the right time. She had a subtle, classy style of redirecting any negative energy but also charmed with her wit and candour. A cherished hostess for famous parties, she loved entertaining with European flair and although she adored the West Coast, part of her heart remained forever in England. Before her death, Victoria and Charles visited their beloved London one last time, attending the Marriage of Figaro at Covent Garden. A private service had been held. In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to support the Heart and Stroke Foundation. The family thanks the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Victoria General Hospital ICU, and especially GP Judith Finlayson and neurosurgeon Andrew Joaquin.