Tribute

In Loving Memory of Fiona Jean Lawrence

Beloved wife of Hugh Lawrence

Fiona Lawrence died peacefully at home on 27 October 2024 with her beloved husband Hugh of 56 years by her side. She is survived by Hugh, sons Iain (Cheryl), Keith (Julie), and Graeme (Jill), as well as grandchildren Sarah (Hudson), Graeme, Owen, Nathan, Liam, and Isla. Also, by her brother Stewart (Judy) in Scotland.

Fiona was born in Glasgow, Scotland to Dr. Archie and Jean Hutcheson. She grew up in the idyllic town of Oban until she attended Jordanhill Teacher Training College just outside of Glasgow. It was there in April 1965 that she met and fell in love with Hugh and vice-versa. They were married in July 1968.

Two years after they wed, in August 1970, they followed their dream to move to Canada for a couple of years. Canada grabbed them both and in 1974 their first son, Iain, was born while on a holiday in Jasper, Alberta. Their second son, Keith, was born in 1977 in Prince George and their third son, Graeme, born also in Prince George in 1980.

Fiona enjoyed teaching grades 1-7 in Prince George before staying home to raise the boys. She became quite involved in their church, St. Giles, and made life-long friends along the way. In 1995 Hugh’s career called them to Vancouver Island, where they settled in Mill Bay.

Fiona was devoted to her large family and also to many friends, sending cards and letters of encouragement when they were sick. She also took neighbours under her wing in Mill Bay by doing regular checkups, buying groceries, making meals, ensuring that medications were being taken. This allowed several to remain in their homes much longer than would have been possible if it weren’t for her care and attention.

Fiona attended St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Duncan and was very involved, firstly with the Agapeland pre-school that was attached to the Church and also with the Prayer Shawl Ministry and Church Library. It was there that she found out all about people who were having difficulties with health or otherwise.

Fiona adopted the three daughters-in-law and treated them as though they were her own daughters. It was a blessing to have them all close making it very easy to bond with each one.

Fiona was over the moon when she became a Grandma, 6 times over!  She loved each grandchild, with a heart overflowing. The two girls ‘bookended’ the four boys. She knew their personalities, their passions, their challenges, their learning styles, their needs, their favorite activities, their dreams, and their favorite foods.  She always knew the questions to ask and was keenly interested in being a part of their lives, ever happy to have all of them at home where she had toys, books, games, puzzles, dress up clothes, and baking supplies at the ready.  As the grandchildren grew up and phones/ipads became a thing, she messaged each of them regularly.  She knew critical dates in their lives and always tried to be at performances and sports events.

Fiona leaves a legacy of love for all of us.

Fiona, rest in peace in the knowledge of a life well lived.