JOAN ELEANOR SOMMERVILLE

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JOAN ELEANOR SOMMERVILLE Joan Eleanor Sommerville (née deBeer) of Sidney, BC, beloved wife, best friend, and soul mate of R. Craig Sommerville, died peacefully on April 17, 2008, in the arms of her loving family. She was born in Montreal on April 2, 1927, the only child of Mollie and Bill deBeer. She and Craig were married on September 17, 1949, and had four daughters, Heather Sommerville, Vancouver; Janet Sommerville (Frank Baldry), Saskatoon (Mike, Tom and Katie); Kathi Christenson (Brian), Winnipeg (Janelle and Todd); and Margie Campbell (Glen), Winnipeg (Adam and Elizabeth). She and Craig lived in Hornepayne and Toronto, Ontario, then moved to Winnipeg, where they raised their family. Joan was an active stay-at-home mum, but managed to do volunteer canvassing for various charities, take art lessons, and was proud to have been President of the Professional Engineers' Wives Association. In 1972, after all the daughters were educated, Joan decided, with encouragement from Craig and their daughters, to go to university, to prove to herself that she had a brain. She enrolled at the University of Winnipeg as a mature student, and graduated six years later with a Bachelor of Education degree, majoring in French. She then taught French at Ralph Maybank School in Fort Garry. Her students were very special to her and as she was so motivated herself, she instilled this motivation in her students. She was extremely proud of all her elementary students, grades one to six, some of whom went on to French Immersion. She and Craig moved to Vancouver Island in 1981, when Craig took a job with the Capital Regional District. They had their dream home built in Ardmore, lived there for 11 years, then moved to a townhouse in Sidney. They travelled extensively, and considered themselves campers, having tented for 12 years with their daughters, in Canada, USA, and Europe, trailered for 26 years, and then enjoyed their golden years in their motor home. They spent 11 years wintering in Mazatlan, Mexico, and in recent years in San Diego and Hemet, California. Joan and Craig had an exceptionally happy marriage, based on love, trust, and making each other laugh each day. The family is grateful to Dr. Paul Keith for his thoughtful care and to the staff and volunteers at Saanich Peninsula Hospital, including the Palliative Care Unit, for their professionalism and compassion. No funeral service by request. In lieu of flowers, please commit random acts of kindness, or make a donation to the Saanich Peninsula Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice. Condolences for the family can be sent to www.mccallbros.com. McCall Bros. of Victoria, BC 250-385-4465

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 20, 2008