Reta was an inspiration to all that knew her; her kind, gentle, generous, soft-spoken manner had a quiet inner strength that carried her bravely through her long well-lived life. Born into a large farming family in Alberta, her childhood was about sharing, caring, working and singing and those early years shaped her life. She always planted a big garden, preserved the bounty, baked bread, made yogurt, and picked pounds of blueberries. She created many quilts over the years; washing and carding the wool and hand stitching the cotton covers. Her children Joan (Ken) and Bill (Terry), grandchildren Barbara (Josh), Jeanine (James) and Emily (Jen)and great grandchildren Ella (Shayne), Gus, Otis and Wyatt each have their own quilt to remember her by.
Reta moved to Victoria in the mid 1940’s, working various jobs, including a stint as “Reta the Riveter”, at a shipyard during the war. She met her husband Tom at a dance at the Strawberry Vale Hall. It seemed the stars were aligned when her sister Katie joined her in Victoria and married Tom’s twin brother Ken. The foursome purchased property on Bear Hill in Saanich. Both families lived together in the first home for several years until they could build another one next door. Reta would spend the rest of her life in that second home, making it the center for joyous family meals and celebrations. Family was so important to her.
When faced with widowhood at 50, Reta adapted with her usual determined “get it done” attitude and found a job in the Extended Care Unit at the Saanich Peninsula Hospital. After she retired, Reta volunteered for many years with the Saanich Peninsula Stroke Recovery Association,devoting her Mondays to help with their activities. In fundraising efforts for the Stroke Club, she did the Great Walk, 63 kms from Gold River to Tahsis twice, and at the age of 72/73, earned the trophy for oldest woman completing the trek. Her daily hikes up and over Bear Hill, ensured she was fit and agile. Reta was also a member of the Shady Creek United Women’s Auxiliary, making countless jars of marmalade for every bazaar.
Although very much a homebody, Reta did not shy away from adventures; visiting family in England, Scotland, PEI, St Lucia, and Haiti. She spent many holidays on the beach and fishing at Friendly Cove.
At 99, a fall and broken hip sent her to the hospital where although her spirit was willing, her body could not recover. The great sorrow felt by family and friends will lessen in time, leaving our hearts full of loving memories as we retell “Gram Stories”.
A celebration of Reta’s life will be held May 25 at 10 am at First Memorial, 4725 Falaise Drive. An on-line memorial is at firstmemorialsaanich.com.
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