Griselda (Bubby) Christmas, youngest daughter of Dr. Edward Archibald and Agnes Barron, died peacefully of old age at Dana’s home in Victoria on January 24.
She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Ken, and is survived by daughters Gillian Sissons (Bob Ray), Dana Wessel (Jim), Victoria Fowler, Martha Lloyd-Smith (Michael), and son Ernest (Kathleen), 12 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.
Mum grew up in Westmount, QC, graduated from McGill in 1939, and married Ken. Pursuing her dream of a medical degree was an impossibility in the impoverished years of the War with Ken away in the Navy and several young children to raise. So, she turned to her next passion: writing short stories, plays and songs for children. She was an avid reader, athlete, animal lover, and independent spirit throughout her long and healthy life.
A move from Westmount to Victoria when Ken retired set the stage for our mother to crisscross the country many more times. A few years after Ken’s death in 2002 she moved with Vicci to Ottawa, then again to Knowlton, before finally returning to Victoria to live with Dana and Jim. Throughout it all she remained a gentle, gracious personality with her sense of humour intact.
We treasure our memories of her, cheerfully tolerating her cluster of children in our old house in St. Hilaire; walking with Dad along the shores of Bic then, in retirement years, Cordova Bay; riding her horse at the Fulford farm; or otherwise with a book in her lap and a dog at her feet. We will always have her in our lives and hearts, the same as Dad.
Sincere thanks and gratitude are extended to Island Health (VIHA) Home Care and Palliative Response Teams, and to her doctor. Their support and assistance were enormous.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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NICHOLAS THOMSON
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Ken & Penny (Christmas) Carpenter Dear Dana, Gill, Vicci, Martha and Ernie and families. Your Mom will always be remembered as Aunt Bubby to me although the last time I saw her she wanted to be called Griselda! I remember her love of dogs and horses, her wit and intelligence. She gave to her community by helping special needs kids ride. What a remarkably long life. Stories are filling my head, memories of St.Hilaire, Bic and fishing with Mom and Dad out of Sidney, B.C. Remember the seagull that visited their deck in Saanich? The baby whale that played with your Dad and a piece of seaweed at the Oak Bay Marineland? Sorry, but memories are flooding in. Our condolences to all.
Penny & Ken
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Jeffrey Packard Hello Ernie
My sister alerted me to Griselda’s obituary. I remember many brief but pleasant encounters with your mom in your apartment on Academy Road. What an extraordinarily long and fulsome life she had. Her presence in your life for such an incredibly long time will make her passing that much more tender but with a rich legacy of memories to help console. We extend our heartfelt condolences to you, Kathleen and your sisters.Jeff and Buffy Packard
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Norm and Sheila Black Griselda was our neighbour in Ottawa for several years and we enjoyed meeting her and her company very much. She often spoke of her fondness for McGill. She was so interested in everyone and was very active and bright-a very remarkable lady. We send our sympathies to the family.
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Jane Lloyd-Smith So sorry to hear. I did not get to spend time with Grizelda but I heard so many stories about her she became one of my inspirational mentors. I so hope that I can continue to ride my horse daily into a ripe old age as she did!!
Condolences to Martha (and Mike)and siblings.
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John Edgell We are thinking of you all. Our memories of both Ken and Griselda will be cherished. John and Linda
Our sincere condolences from the Thomson’s. I remember Bubby but from the ’60s (and I was pretty young) when Aunt Bertha lived along Richelieu Blvd with that wonderful little Scott Terrier.
I know Anthony T. ran into her in Knowlton a few years ago after she became a centenarian and was amazed at the spring in her step.
Our thoughts are with you.
Nick Thomson