Morag Mochan (nee Long) died on March 11, 2023, at her home in Victoria, BC. Morag was born in Dundee, Scotland in 1938 to parents Jean and James (Kilt). She grew up in the loving company of many aunts, uncles and cousins as well as her brother Moray. She attended the University of St. Andrew’s and received her teaching degree from the University of Glasgow. While studying in Glasgow she met John and they married in April 1961.
In 1969 they made a bold move with three young children to northern Alberta, with the intention of staying in Grande Prairie for 2 years – but instead made it their home for almost 40. Morag taught in junior highs and high school, and finished her teaching career in her favourite level: grade 3. Throughout her life Morag pursued knowledge and loved engaging with young minds. After retirement, she spent many years as a Catholic school board trustee, and proudly served as its Chair. She relocated to Vancouver Island in 2007, where she established a vibrant social and volunteer life.
Mum loved to travel and was a keen defender of many social justice causes; most before they because popular. She was the bravest person we knew; from surviving the nuns at university and enduring the deaths of her two sons and husband, to rallying after two liver transplants and relocating in her late 60’s to start again in BC. Her legacy of strength and humour even during heartbreak will carry on forever, reminding us that we control our attitudes and can choose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service.
Mum has been reunited with our dear father John, her son Iann, and her adult son David. Grateful for the way we were raised, she’ll be missed by her daughters Shona Morgan, Alyne Mochan and wee Morag Mochan, her Grandchildren: Michael, Alexander and Sean Mochan; Ty and Demi Morgan; Nicholas Baker; and Jamison Derry. She had the joy and privilege to have in her life her sons-in-law Warren Baker (Alyne), Jonathan Derry (Mo) and Bruce Morgan (Shona (deceased)), and daughter-in-law Sherry Heikel (Wes Mudryk).
Funeral services were held at St. Patrick’s Parish in Victoria, BC, on March 22, 2023, with a green return to earth burial at Royal Oak Burial Park.
To honor her memory, we ask that you raise a glass to Morag (or a cup of tea), take action to support the less fortunate, sign-up to be an organ donor or perform any other random act of kindness – she would love that.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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JOANNE ALTON
FOR MORGA’S DAUGHERS; SHONA, ALYENE AND MO…WE WERE SORRY TO LEARN THE SAD NEWS OF YOUR MOTHER’S PASSING….WE REMEMBER YOUR FAMILY WELL FROM GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALBERTA DAYS…
SINCERE SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL…JOANNE ALTON, CHARLENE AND CORALIE