Elizabeth Joanne Steele

Mom passed away peacefully in her suite at the Berwick in Comox, in the presence of family at the age of 92 yrs. She was born in Woodstock, Illinois, to Robert and Harriett Waterfall. She lived in many places throughout the USA, but it was when she was living in Santa Barbara, California, about to graduate from high school when her life changed. It was at a dance to welcome visiting sailors from the Royal Canadian Navy where she met Petty Officer William D. Steele with his remarkable blue eyes, and their shared love of dancing. After 3 years of maintaining contact primarily through letter writing, they married on April 6, 1951 in Victoria before his ship left to return to Korea.

Predeceased by her darling Bill in 2009, her first born daughter Laura in 2020, she is survived by her daughter Julia (Chris) in Campbell River, granddaughter Sarah (Ian) in Vancouver, grandson Christopher (Candice) in Edmonton, grandson Jordan (Katelynn) and great grandchildren Riley and Ryan in Edmonton, sister Barbie (George) in California, along with other in-laws, nieces, nephews and good friends.

Mom worked as a secretary-clerk typist, and in retirement developed her love of photography with the Sidney Shutterbugs Camera Club for over 25 years. Mom and dad enjoyed spending over 40 summers camping at the Siesta on Saratoga Beach, developing many long standing friendships. It was only 8 months ago that mom made the huge move to Comox to be closer to family, after having lived for 40 years in the house her parents built in 1964 in North Saanich.

Family was always her priority and what she was most proud of. Often described as “such a sweet lady” by people she met. She loved reading, music, the Wonderword puzzle in the Times Colonist and getting her hair done every week which she referred to as her “therapy hour” – thank you Tracy in Comox and Laura-Lee in Sidney. Don't even get us started on her love of her Kia! We used to joke that her secret to a long life was to not exercise, eat a ½ tuna fish sandwich everyday and drink lots of milk “et cetera.......” :) Mom lived her final days true to who she was – practical, positive, a planner and remarkably resilient.

The family would like to thank Dr. Bullock for his honesty, compassion and advocacy; Dr. Fehlau Dr. Hunter, and Dr. Gilbert palliative care physicians extraordinaire; and to Heather and Dr. Reggler for putting her mind at ease that everything was in place should she have decided she wanted to “treat herself” as she so profoundly put it. Palliative Care Coordinators Holly, Blair, Necia and Palliative Care Social Worker Victor for their compassion, availability, skills and friendship. Thank you to Community Health Services especially Tammy, Annette, Sarah, Morgan and Carol for your support and accessibility. Forever grateful to our adopted family Rob and Pat Clarke and her neighbours in North Saanich who helped support her before her move to Comox. A big thank you to the staff and residents of the Berwick, especially her ambassador Phyllis who welcomed her with open arms, and helped support us in her final weeks, along with our good friends Ken and Juanita MacKenzie for always being there for us.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.