Daphne D. BOWLES

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Daphne Bowles, quietly in her sleep at Oak Bay Lodge, January 22, 2019 after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's disease. Mom was predeceased by her husband Bill, of 62 years, 18 months ago. Mom is survived by her children - Jay, Chris and Kerri, grandchildren Kaylene, Morgan, Isaac, Chanel, Kyra and Naythan and sister Sandra.

Mom was born May 7, 1934 in E. St. Paul, just outside of Winnipeg. The seventh in a family of eight children, Mom grew up, on the small family farm outside of Winnipeg. Sickly as a child, later in adult life, she was everyone's caregiver.

Mom moved to Victoria in 1952 with her mother and sister Sandra, after the early death of her father. This would have been quite a move back in the day, leaving the much larger, much sunny and much colder Winnipeg for little, cloudy, wet Victoria. However this would prove to be truly, a life changing move, as Mom met our father, Bill, at a local roller rink and spent the rest of her life in Victoria.

Mom was completely dedicated to her family, which included all her siblings, children and grandchildren. Happiest surrounded by as many family members as possible, Mom and her sisters took turns hosting all the big holidays of whatever season it happened to be. Surrounded by family, be it sisters, brothers-in-laws, nephews or nieces, was when Mom was in her element. And of course the grandchildren were the highlights of her day whenever they were around and Mom was pretty much available for any child minding duties, required. Mom spent many, many hundreds of hours in arenas, at lacrosse boxes, baseball parks and gymnasiums watching anyone of the extended family, playing their sport.

Mom loved to sing. In 1967, Mom joined the Sweet Adeline's. This would turn out to be a life long hobby/calling that Mom enjoyed for over 45 years, providing her with many good friends and memories. In 2008 Mom was honoured for 40 years of Charter membership with the City of Gardens Chapter. Mom had two crowning achievements in her Sweet Adeline career, Sweet Adeline of the Year and a Regional Championship.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Oak Bay Lodge for their wonderful care of our mother. A funeral service will be held, Friday February 1st at 1:00 pm at Sacred Heart Church, 4040 Nelthorpe St. A short reception will follow.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight,

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye