With great sorrow, the family of Ilse McCaw announce her passing on October 19. 2023. After 15 months of being in care for Dementia, she passed quietly at 92 years old. She is survived by daughters Karen and Leah, son Cameron (Rebecca), grandchildren Arla (Mike), Colleen, Dylan (Sophia), Alanna (Kyle), and various nieces and nephews across the country. She is predeceased by Del, her husband of 68 years, who left us in July 2023, and kept a spot waiting for his wife.
Born in Allan, Saskatchewan, her family eventually moved into Saskatoon. Ilse attended Nutana Collegiate, then Saskatoon City Hospital nursing school, graduating in 1955. She met Delmar, on a blind date, married in June 1955, had 3 kids and moved to BC in 1966. The family settled in Sidney where they bought a small motel. While dad looked after the motel, mom continued her nursing career, teaching at St. Joseph’s Nursing School in Victoria. She worked as an Instructor of Nursing, and on extended care and rehab floors of the Royal Jubilee Hospital and Gorge Road Hospital, eventually retiring in 1996.
Ilse always made the most of the ‘dash’ between birth and death. She was usually the instigator of travel plans, whether it meant sailing, bicycling, canoeing, hiking or travelling with Del to all destinations she thought would be wonderous. They had a great many adventures together all over the world. She was a consummate social butterfly, joining every committee and planning something with every group. Her joy was always to have people around and made sure they always had a good time. Her many friends will remember her smile and ready laugh, the quirky sense of humor and abundance of Kleenex that seemed to grow in every pocket.
When dementia started robbing her of the ability to travel and entertain, she spent the days reading and walking around Sidney. Eventually she required more care than could be handled at home. We, the kids, are forever grateful for the care and attention she received from the staff at Sidney AllCare.
There will be a celebration of life for both mom and dad at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer Society of BC https://alzheimer.ca/bc/
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
-
Evelyn
-
Carol Lawson Ilse was such an exceptional person and was admired for her kindness and compassion for everyone.
She enjoyed her career so much and put her heart and soul into it. I feel fortunate to have been a friend as well as a neighbour. She was so proud of her children and so loved her life partner, Del.
Rest in peace Ilse and Del.
-
Janice and Dennis Varga I remember Ilse and her many talents. Especially her sewing room that produced such lovely clothing and other articles. I have a tea cosy set that she made for me when we were in Beta Sigma Phi together. I remember in those years the beautiful bears that she created. And a certain dinner of Saltspring lamb ~ until then I had not liked lamb, but that meal changed my mind. Recently, she was strong in my mind, and I was wanting to visit ~ now I know why. May you Rest in Peace Ilse, and Del. I will cherish the times we shared.
I remember Ilse as our Nursing instructor at St Joseph’s School of Nursing. I have fond memories of her teaching us in first year. She was very caring, supportive, and fun.
My condolences to her family.