Avril Joy Roy

Avril was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Jacques, in 2016. She is survived by her son David (Sherry) and daughter Deborah, her grandchildren David (Tiffany), Jennifer, Bryan, Sarah (Ross), and Jeremy, and 8 great grandchildren.

Avril was born in Salisbury, England, on December 4, 1932. Following WWII Avril moved with her family to Bermuda where she finished high school. The family then moved to BC where Avril started a modelling career and taught modelling and etiquette at the Elizabeth Leslie Modelling Agency in Vancouver. She met and subsequently married Jacques in Vancouver in 1952. In 1960, Avril and Jacques, and their two children, moved to Leamington Spa, England, where they lived for 4 years before returning to BC and establishing their family home and raising their children in Richmond, BC.

Avril was a very strong, independent and confident woman who loved her family deeply and maintained close relations with her extended family around the world. Avril was proud of her long and successful career with Eatons where she retired after 29 years as Manager of Operations of the downtown store. She was an avid reader and boating also became a big part of Avril and Jacques’ life. Following her retirement, they lived full time on the Avril Joy, a 45-foot trawler, based at the Vancouver Rowing Club. They spent many happy years fishing and exploring BC’s beautiful coast on the Avril Joy before moving back to Richmond. Avril spent her final years in Tsawwassen, BC.

Avril will be missed by her family and all who knew her. She was fortunate to have met the love of her life, Jacques, and they had a long and happy life together, embracing life’s adventures and challenges along the way. The family would like to thank the first responders in Delta and staff at Delta Hospital for their care and compassion in her final hours.

A graveside service for Avril will be held Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Victory Memorial Park & Funeral Centre, 14831 28 Avenue, Surrey, BC.