Dayla passed away early Sunday morning November 5, 2023 at The Priory in Victoria. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, David, her daughter Laura (Stuart), grandsons Adam and Oscar and her twin sister Dianne (Christopher) as well as niece Angela and nephews, Michael, Kurt and Jeff. Predeceased by her sister Valerie Robson.
Dayla was born in Calgary, Alberta where she attended The University of Calgary obtaining a Degree in Sociology. Her love of books and libraries led to a Library Technician Diploma from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. As an avid reader she was always a member of a book club. She worked with books in various special libraries plus volunteered extensively in disadvantaged school libraries when living outside Canada. She took great joy in spreading her enthusiasm for books and reading to children especially her grandsons.
Dayla and David lived in: Calgary; Aden, Yemen; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Bogota, Colombia and Victoria, British Columbia. Always up for adventure, their travels also took them to many parts of the world where Dayla’s Million Dollar smile, infectious laugh and vibrant personality always made new friends. Dayla especially loved to travel with her twin sister Dianne and her husband Christopher. Upon retiring to Victoria, Dayla became a dedicated “birder” through the Victoria Women’s Newcomers Club and Swans.
Dayla’s fun-loving energy always brought a positive and inclusive spirit to everything she did. She was big on life. Her unconditional love, compassion and caring nature for family and friends touched everyone who were lucky enough to know her.
Dayla’s great joy was her family and she especially loved sharing in the lives of her grandsons, Adam and Oscar and being the best grandmother, she could possibly be.
We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the staff at The Priory for the compassion and dedication to providing great care to those suffering from dementia.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.
A celebration of life is being planned for sometime early in the new year.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Gayle Belsher
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Jacquie and David Collins Thoughts are with you, David and Laura,Adam and Oscar. Jacquie recalls Dayla’s warm welcome at Women’s Newcomers. We know you will miss her.
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Marilyn Shaurette It was always a pleasure to see Dayla, always had a smile. Sincere sympathy to all your family. From Marilyn & Raymond. (Barb Robson’s mum)
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Maureen Wedderburn My condolences to you, David and Laura. It was a privilege to have known Dayla at school (S.A.I.T.) and at work (ERC Calgary) and, of course, in one of her Book Clubs. She was a joy to be around, such a positive spirit, so sweet and generous, and a friend forever.
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Lynda and Preston We’re very sorry for your loss, Dave and Laura. We always had fun together and will miss her big smiles, easy laugh, great sense of adventure, big warm hugs and so much more.
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Eloise and Cam Berry What a pleasure it was to know Dayla when we both joined Victoria Womens Newcomers Club. Her big smile and lovely personality were a pleasure to us both. Our condolences to Dave and the family.
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Sharon Madill My heart reaches out to you, Dave, and to your family. Such a beautiful tribute composed with love.
Shar
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Vicki & George Brown Our deepest condolences David, Laura & family. Dayla was a very dear friend and will be missed by all who knew her.
Heartfelt condolences to you David, Laura, and your families. From the first time I met Dayla during our undergraduate years at U. of C. her smile, laugh, and welcoming spirit were notable. May you find peace in the wonderful memories you have of her.