Obituary for Laurene Isabel Lewis (Jickling)
Lolly Lewis passed away peacefully on January 5, 2024 at Amica Lions Gate in West Vancouver surrounded by her family. She is survived by Sydney, her husband of 60 years, children Jane (Stephen Dewar), Stephen (Nancy Mizgala), Robert (Jennifer Brookman), and Amy (Greg Meldrum), and her grandchildren Ryley, Avery, Delaney, Sydney, Macy, Brayden, Libby, Georgia, and Graham.
Lolly grew up in Provost, Alberta with brothers Robert, Ray, and Donald. She was doted on by her father (Walter) and enjoyed helping her mother (Gladys) keep the brothers in line. Lolly was a member of the United Church in Provost and after high school, she attended Christian leadership training at the Naramata Centre. Lolly left her small hometown for the big city of Edmonton to study Nursing at the University of Alberta. She was a leader in her class. After graduating in 1961, Lolly began her career as a public health nurse.
Syd also grew up in Provost and the two became a couple in high school. They were married in 1963 and welcomed four children soon after. Syd’s job with IBM took the Lewis family to Vancouver, San Jose, Toronto, Montreal, and back to Vancouver. In each place they settled, Lolly befriended neighbours, served on school and church committees, joined book clubs and bridge groups, and canvassed for various charities.
As the children grew, Lolly always found ways to put her creativity and problem solving to good use, whether that was baking the perfect birthday cake, helping with school assignments, assisting in morning paper routes and girl guide cookie sales, or tackling last-minute sewing projects like a pro. She and Syd also maintained an active social life, travelling to faraway countries with friends, enjoying a timeshare condo in Mexico, and curling, golfing, and skiing to stay fit and keep young. The annual Christmas Eve party Lolly hosted was legendary in spreading joy by connecting family and friends in the community.
Once the kids had grown, she returned to the nursing profession and worked for many fulfilling years at the BC Centre for Disease Control. As her children began families of their own, Lolly cherished her role as grandmother, attending dance recitals and soccer games and always being available to provide daycare at Grammy School. Her grandchildren loved the time spent at the Big House and have fond memories of being cared for and entertained by their beloved Grammy.
Lolly was salt of the earth — the core of her life lay in providing care to others. She was easy to laugh, sharp as a tack, and always a truth teller. Often sarcastic and always quick witted, Lolly used humour as medicine to cure any situation. She was an artist, an avid reader, and a great Scrabble player. She gave the best advice (if you sought it) and would thoughtfully discuss any important topic you raised. Lolly’s husband, children and their spouses, and grandchildren wholeheartedly adored her.
More recently Lolly lived with Alzheimer’s. Even this dreadful disease couldn’t break her spirit. Family, and especially her husband Syd, were at her side every day. In the latter stages of the disease, Amica Lions Gate and their staff provided loving care and compassion to Lolly.
Lolly possessed a deep understanding of the complexities of life and its graces, triumphs, and tragedies. Her generosity of spirit led her to care for, guide, and console family, friends, and even strangers. Lolly was important to so many. Although her lifeforce will be missed, the best parts of her will live on in her children and grandchildren.
The family will hold a Celebration of Lolly’s Life on Friday, March 22, 2024 (her birthday) at 2:00pm at West Vancouver United Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lolly’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. at alzheimer.ca/bc/en.
Lolly grew up in Provost, Alberta with brothers Robert, Ray, and Donald. She was doted on by her father (Walter) and enjoyed helping her mother (Gladys) keep the brothers in line. Lolly was a member of the United Church in Provost and after high school, she attended Christian leadership training at the Naramata Centre. Lolly left her small hometown for the big city of Edmonton to study Nursing at the University of Alberta. She was a leader in her class. After graduating in 1961, Lolly began her career as a public health nurse.
Syd also grew up in Provost and the two became a couple in high school. They were married in 1963 and welcomed four children soon after. Syd’s job with IBM took the Lewis family to Vancouver, San Jose, Toronto, Montreal, and back to Vancouver. In each place they settled, Lolly befriended neighbours, served on school and church committees, joined book clubs and bridge groups, and canvassed for various charities.
As the children grew, Lolly always found ways to put her creativity and problem solving to good use, whether that was baking the perfect birthday cake, helping with school assignments, assisting in morning paper routes and girl guide cookie sales, or tackling last-minute sewing projects like a pro. She and Syd also maintained an active social life, travelling to faraway countries with friends, enjoying a timeshare condo in Mexico, and curling, golfing, and skiing to stay fit and keep young. The annual Christmas Eve party Lolly hosted was legendary in spreading joy by connecting family and friends in the community.
Once the kids had grown, she returned to the nursing profession and worked for many fulfilling years at the BC Centre for Disease Control. As her children began families of their own, Lolly cherished her role as grandmother, attending dance recitals and soccer games and always being available to provide daycare at Grammy School. Her grandchildren loved the time spent at the Big House and have fond memories of being cared for and entertained by their beloved Grammy.
Lolly was salt of the earth — the core of her life lay in providing care to others. She was easy to laugh, sharp as a tack, and always a truth teller. Often sarcastic and always quick witted, Lolly used humour as medicine to cure any situation. She was an artist, an avid reader, and a great Scrabble player. She gave the best advice (if you sought it) and would thoughtfully discuss any important topic you raised. Lolly’s husband, children and their spouses, and grandchildren wholeheartedly adored her.
More recently Lolly lived with Alzheimer’s. Even this dreadful disease couldn’t break her spirit. Family, and especially her husband Syd, were at her side every day. In the latter stages of the disease, Amica Lions Gate and their staff provided loving care and compassion to Lolly.
Lolly possessed a deep understanding of the complexities of life and its graces, triumphs, and tragedies. Her generosity of spirit led her to care for, guide, and console family, friends, and even strangers. Lolly was important to so many. Although her lifeforce will be missed, the best parts of her will live on in her children and grandchildren.
The family will hold a Celebration of Lolly’s Life on Friday, March 22, 2024 (her birthday) at 2:00pm at West Vancouver United Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Lolly’s memory to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. at alzheimer.ca/bc/en.