Cicely passed away peacefully Dec 27, 2022 at Beckley Farm Lodge, her loving home for the past 8 ½ years. She was a truly remarkable lady and a wonderful mother, friend, sister, daughter, grandmother, great grandmother and wife.
Born in Victoria on Nov 3, 1930 to Edith and Edgar Rossiter, Cicely was the youngest of 4 children (siblings Larry, Patricia and Gweneth). She married Geoffrey Meek in 1953 and was a navy wife for many years, living in a number of places including Halifax, England, Scotland and Malta.
In 1970, Cicely returned to Victoria with her 4 children and worked for many years at the McPherson library at UVIC where she particularly enjoyed book repair and binding. In the mid 1970’s Cicely met Bill Spriggs and spent many happy years with him travelling, beekeeping and gardening until she moved to Beckley Farm Lodge in 2014.
We are honoured to describe mom as a practical, resilient, strong, kind, non-judgemental, hardworking, selfless, positive, thrifty and enthusiastic woman. She was an animal lover, interested in everyone she met and led by example but never lectured.
She was happiest in her garden and when she was with family.
Cicely is survived by children Tony, Su Cameron (Don), Tanya and Sarah Lee (Calvin), 7 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren and numerous extended family members.
We would like to sincerely thank the staff at Beckley Farm Lodge who cared for our mother with patience, dignity and love.
Rest in peace, Mom.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Broadmead Care Society. Details for a Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
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Marilyn Van Imschoot
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Neil Rawnsley My condolences to the family on the passing of your mother. It has been many years since my first and last contact with your Mom and she is fondly remembered.
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Brad and Janet Palin Cicely and Bill were the very best of neighbours when we lived next door on Edgelow Street. They were in their garden from sunrise to sunset. Cicely was always mowing the lawn. I remember telling her that she needed a headlight on her lawnmower so that she could see to mow in the twilight. They slept under an awning on their patio from spring to fall. Sometimes we had campouts with our kids in our backyard and we could have conversations over the fence in the dark. We had three babies during the time we lived there, and Cicely and Bill were among the first people to welcome them to the world.
I well remember sitting at a horticulture meeting with Cicely and she very matter-of-factly told me that she had been diagnosed with dementia. I didn’t want to believe that from someone who was so full of life and energy. We will always remember her sunny personality, and hope that she and Bill are working away in their newest garden.
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Gillian Roach Being in partnership with my first cousin Bill for so many decades gave Chuck and myself the opportunity to witness you and your amazing life together. Your energy, can-do attitude, work ethic and love of life and Bill shone through you. Your amazing garden was an obvious product of planning and passion. The time and work you both put into your beekeeping was another example of unflagging commitment. You created an extensive ongoing legacy through your wonderful children, and I’d say, lived life to the full. Trust you and Bill are continuing to explore and enjoy the heavens together.
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Kathy Yardley Meek family my love and thoughts are with you. I worked with your mom for many years and throughly enjoyed her energy.
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Cathy Rawluk Sarah
My condolences on the loss of your mother. May she live on in your heart and cherished memories.
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Randi Mjolsness We have fond memories of our times with Cicely, she always had a warm welcome awaiting us when we visited her and Bill in their lovely home and garden. What fun they had sleeping on the deck from the cool of the Spring to the cool of the Fall; doing their bee keeping and selling the product at the local farmers market; treating us to the bounty of the harvest, fresh vegetables, berries and of course, delicious and healthful honey! Cicely was very environmentally conscious, nothing of use going to waste. She was a lover of the outdoors and adventure- such a stalwart eager partner for something new and exciting. We cherished her contribution to our family gatherings, always a ready smile and hug. You are reunited with some great folks Cicely, we will always remember your spirit and positive approach to life. love, Peter Bruce ( cousin of Bill Spriggs) Randi Mjolsness, Harrison and Robin Bruce
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Kerry Blain Prayers and condolences to the family
Kerry Blain. MT. Doug 1974
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Anne Lesniak Our profound sympathies on the passing of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
Lovely obituary.
May the support of family and friends comfort you all.
Love from Anne and Dale
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Vikram Sangha I am honored to say that I was able to be apart of Cicely’s journey as both a student and practicing nurse during her time at Beckley Farm Lodge. She was a gentle, kind, and caring soul. She will be greatly missed but her presence will be everlasting. My thoughts are with the family.
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Kate Insley My first encounter with Cicely was at Silver Star (skiing). She and Bill were the perfect hosts for our old Green Mountain skiers. I drove up there with them in their VW van and enjoyed sharing their life stories and adventures all that week. Just being with these two lovely people was a gift I still recall.
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Gayle LeBlanc One of my favorite people to come into my life. She was welcoming and loving I was so blessed to have her as a mother in-law. Always in my heart. Rest in peace Cic.
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Ian Logan My warm thoughts are with you and your family.
May your Mother rest in peace knowing sweet memories of her will live on with all who knew and loved her.
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Joti Bawa Such a pleasure knowing Cicely and her lovely family during her time at Beckley Farm. She was such a gentle soul and had the kindest spirit. May she rest in peace. Sending love to her family
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Alison Spriggs Cicely was such a gift to our extended blended family. First and most importantly she was the perfect partner for our dad, Bill Spriggs. His years with Cis were without doubt the happiness and most fulfilling years of his life and that was a great gift to us in itself. She was a strong, capable adventurer and their many travels and outdoor adventures are the proof. For myself and my daughter Sunan, Cis was like a second mother and grandmother always offering unconditional love and support. We had a lot of fun times together gardening (of course), travelling, camping and family gathering.
We love you Cis. Always in our hearts ♥️
Love
Ali, Sunan and Sienna
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Ann Ferreira A truly lovely cousin that I was lucky enough to spend time with in Malta. With a wonderful attitude to life always making the most of every situation, she was fun to be with and a great mum.
Sadly we lived too far from each other to spend more time together.
Her later life with Bill was perfect with both having similar hobbies.
My condolences to the Meek and Spriggs families. I knew Cicely when we both worked in McPherson Library. She always was very proud of her family. I liked your obituary as it really reflected on who she was. She was always so positive and helpful. I enjoyed my visits to her and Bill’s garden. She very proudly showed me around the garden. I got honey from her and spent some time visiting. I always felt so welcomed.