Joan passed peacefully at home in Victoria, BC on December 5, 2019. Born in Loughton, Essex, England, April 12th 1921, to William “Billy” Cudemore, MC, DFC and Caroline Alice “Brownie” (Bodwell) Cudemore. In 1936, Brownie married Carol Fellowes, 4th Baron Ailwyn, who lovingly adopted Joan as his daughter. Predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Dr. Geoffrey Homer, Joan is survived by her three sons, Garth (Penelope), Keith (Dean) and Bruce; four grandchildren, Brendan (Beth), Delia, Geoffrey (Denise) and Christopher (Kristina); and three great grandchildren, Sam, Ethan and Ava.
In her early years, Joan attended St. Christopher’s School and Norfolk House School in Victoria, and then Punahou School in Honolulu. She finished her schooling at Abbot’s Hill School in Hemel Hempstead near London. She was presented at Court in 1939.
During the Second World War, Joan served in the British Red Cross as a volunteer nurse at the Canadian Officers’ Convalescent Home, Garnons, Herefordshire, where she met Canadian medical officer, Geoffrey Homer, and in 1942, they married. In 1944, Joan gave birth to their first son in London during one of the worst V1 rocket raids, while Geoffrey was on the battlefields of Normandy. After the war, the family lived at Wrotham Park, Hertfordshire and Geoffrey studied for, and received, his FRCS. They then returned to Victoria to live and raise their family.
Joan volunteered her time to many causes which included serving as President of the Veterans Hospital Woman’s Auxiliary. She loved dogs and horses and in her later days, she cherished her dog walks in the sun, rain or wind with her beloved friend, Molly. Joan’s conservatory and garden were known for the herbs, vegetables and particularly for the roses she cultivated. For years she worked closely with her diligent gardeners, Lorraine and Amy, to make sure everything was “up to snuff”. Fashion was a big part of her life and she and her dear friend Mary Henderson started a successful lady’s clothing shop, Impacts & Imports, in the 70’ s. She was a keen artist and collector and loved travelling with family and friends, just for the fun of it. With Geoff, she explored more exotic destinations.
The family thanks the caregivers, especially Dr. Jim Stockdill and Ms. Wilma Loberg, for the compassion and understanding which made it possible for Joan to remain at home with dignity.
A Service will be held at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 3821 Cedar Hill Cross Road on Thursday, January 9, 2020 at 2:00 pm followed by a reception at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Garth Homer Foundation, online www.garthhomerfoundation.org or PO Box 24022 Victoria, BC V8Z 7E7.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Charley and Dola Boas
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Joannea Lovell Homer Family
My deepest condolences to you all for the loss of your mother – an amazing lady! I have known Joan for years when we would meet often in the woods and fields to walk our dogs through rain, sunshine, wind and snow. We had wonderful conversations about life and our beloved pets. Joan taught me so much about dogs! I always thought Joan was the most beautiful angel on earth and was blessed and privileged to know her.
Thinking of you dear Bruce at this difficult time. I know your Mother’s soul is in your heart now and forever and you cherish the memories.
Sending you lots of love and hugs, Joannea Lovell, (Shaker, Star, Angel, Miss Kara (my doggies in heaven who loved Joan too)
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Venus Earle My Sincere Condolences to the Homer family on the passing of Mrs. Joan Homer. She was an amazing woman that I had a priviledge of knowing for almost 20 yrs. We developed a great relationship all those years, that I was always looking forward chatting with her or meeting for lunch or tea. She was beautiful,
elegant and always positive in life. I’m going to miss her dearly. My thoughts and prayers to the family in this difficult time.
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Cynthia Cooper Dear Bruce and family,
I was so saddened to hear of your dear Mum’s passing. What an amazing g woman she was; so much an example to us all and reflective of an age of social ease and refinement – so beautiful to her.
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Paul Crowley My condolences to Garth, Keith and Bruce,
Your American cousins are thinking of you.
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GAIL GABEL Bruce and Family:
It is always difficult to write this type of message with expressions of condolence. Unless one has experienced grief through the loss of a loved one it can be truly difficult to sound sincere. Your mother was truly a woman of strength throughout her life and I know how much she meant to you all. She and you are in my thoughts.
Kind regards,
Gail Gabel.
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Bernard Goward To Garth and Keith – It’s been many years since our paths crossed at Glenlyon School, but reading your mother’s obituary brought back memories of the shared communites, both of school days, and of the Cadboro Bay area. Your mother lived a most interesting life.
My sympathies in your loss.
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Michael Quebec My sincere condolences to the Homer family on the passing of Joan. I grew up and went through elementary school with her son, Bruce, and knew Mrs. Homer through Bruce as well as being neighbours to the Homers. Mrs. Homer was a lovely individual, kind and compassionate, and the world is a lesser place without her.
Michael Quebec
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Judith Branion .Joan was an amazing woman and an inspiration to many, myself included. I loved listening to her stories of past experiences, and was always astounded by her memory! Although we didnt see one another very often in the weeks before her passing, I will miss having a “cuppa” with her. I will miss HER! My sympathy to the family. It is a passing of an era
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Susanna Crofton Bruce and family, so sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Wishing you peace and many fond memories to share, she sounds like a very special lady. Susanna Crofton.
To Garth, Keith and Bruce, and your families,
Joan was such an extraordinary person, not only for her family but for her friends as well. She and our Joan (the 2 Joans) were close friends from childhood and shared so many experiences. We know she has left tons of memories for you, and you will always remember her.
Charley and Dola Boas