Veronica M. Druce

1942 - 2021

Veronica squeezed the most out of life. She travelled the distant corners of the earth, she ran marathons, she kayaked, sailed, hiked, cycled and volunteered in some of the most beautiful parts of the globe. She lived in the 4 points of the Canadian compass from Montreal to Halifax to Yellowknife to Victoria.
Born in Scotland and raised in England, she trained as a nurse at Guy's Hospital in London with five women who would become lifelong friends. They nurtured in each other a bravery and strength that would last Veronica a lifetime.
She never met a Sudoku or cryptic crossword puzzle she couldn't complete and when life gave her lemons, she made a gin and tonic. A failure in the kitchen but a victor in life, Veronica was so loved by so many.
Over the ocean and across the country, Veronica cultivated lifelong friendships. Her sorority sisters, St. Lambert coffee mates, Gourmet Group, Book Club, St George's family, Windsor St gang, running girls, Guy's gals, and best pals - they all had a special place in her heart. Time and distance always seemed to melt away and conversations picked up wherever they left off a week ago, a year ago, or a decade ago.
This collection of friends became a constant source of support, laughter and love for Veronica until the very end. While she would tell you her greatest joy is her grandchildren, most certainly her greatest treasure is this wide circle of friendship.
She was an inaugural member of the Order of the Diocese of British Columbia, raised three pretty amazing kids and received recognition as "World's Greatest Mom" for 50 consecutive years.
Her special way with people made life a little brighter for the many patients she nursed at the Gorge Road Hospital over her 20 years of service. And in the end, that same grace was returned to her by the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital and Victoria Hospice.
Veronica is survived by her beloved brother and friend, Anthony (Lavinia); her three adoring children Michael, Jennifer (Andrew) and Ian (Tara); and her six cherished grandchildren Will, Sam, Sophie, Henry, Tessa and Katherine. And equally importantly, she is survived by her loving friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at St. George's Anglican Church on Friday October 22. To register attendance in accordance with current COVID-19 restrictions please visit: stgeorgecadborobay.ca
In lieu of flowers, please consider a random act of kindness today - Veronica believed the world needed more of that.