Loni embarked on her final adventure on June 27, 2023. She was born December 31, 1928 in Canmore, Alberta to Elsie and Arthur Francis. She attended Magee High School in Vancouver, BC and then attended the University of BC. After graduation she became the women’s Editor of the Vancouver News-Herald and then was Assistant Public Relations Officer at UBC. She married Douglas Sherlock in 1951.
She was predeceased by her parents, step-granddaughter Gethen Craghead, husband Douglas and son Stephen (Sheryl) and her sister Daphne Kelly. She is survived by her son Christopher, grandson Robin, granddaughters Kayde (Blair) Shotton, two great-granddaughters Ella and Heidi Shotten and Aja Sherlock (Killean O’Leary), many nieces and nephews as well as many friends.
Loni enjoyed family, friends, flowers, fun. She relished travelling (52 countries), bridge, tennis, gardening, cooking, entertaining, swimming and just being with family and friends. As a Navy wife, she adapted to their many moves. When Douglas retired, finally back in Victoria, she enjoyed sailing on their motor-sailor Camus in local waters. For 10 years she had Windsor Park Flowers in Oak Bay which was a rewarding endeavor. She was a member of the Oak Bay Probus Club and served as President. Her last 6 years were residing in Berwick House where she participated in their many programs. Many thanks for their care as well as the care from her physician, Dr. Grimwood.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Judith Kennedy
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JOHN & HELGA HOBDAY We knew Loni for over 60 years and at times cried on each others shoulders and shared the ups and downs of her long life. We were on the same wavelength. She was a remarkable woman who excelled at whatever she put her mind to such as: gardening, cooking, travel, art appreciation, conducting gallery tours, flower arranging and golf. Loni was always practical, organized, positive and enthusiastic. Although she moved many times and so did we – we kept in touch through mail, postcards from interesting places, Christmas cards, phone calls and in more recent years through e-mails. Loni always reached out and connected. As long as we live we will always remember her and miss her deeply.
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Tracey Fellowes “The Sherlocks” were very good friends of my parents, Tim and Betty Fellowes of Toronto, who had been in Bermuda for 16 years and then came back to Canada in 2010 to live in Victoria. When my parents were in Victoria for a year with my Mom declining with dementia Leona was our lifeline. I got to know Leona very well that year as she helped tremendously – and was able to help us get my Dad to realize they had to move back to Toronto where we had family support. I will always be grateful for the time I had getting to know Leona and for all the help she provided during that difficult time. On behalf of my siblings, Alison, Courtney and Meredith, we wish you the deepest condolences (Tim passed in 2021 and Betty in 2016) Leona was a beautiful person I was privileged to know, best regards, Tracey Fellowes, Nelson BC
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Nick Loni you’re such a wonderful person, thank you for letting me into your life and being part of mine. Your advice, kindness and joie de vivre have sustained me. You always make me smile and I often think to myself “what would Loni do?” when facing tough situations. I love you – BIG HUG! 🙂
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Joan Collum Loni was a good friend through High School and at U.B.C. We skated together and she and My husband and I had many good times together.We exchanged e-mails and birthday greetings on dec.31st. My sympathy to her family,
Sincerely,
Joan Collum.
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Richard (Dick) Noyes-Roberts Loni and Doug. were close friends of mine and Loni particularly of my late wife Elizabeth as is proved by her. Wing asked to be Godmother to my younger daughter Sarah. We enjoyed their company both overseas and as close neighbours in Ottawa. She was a fun person and a happy one often in difficult circumstances. I am sorry not to have seen more of her recently – location and age being the cause. I have fond memories of Loni which will not pass easily.
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Jonathan Carrothers Mr and Mrs Sherlock,
Were great friends of my parents Fred and Jane Carrothers.
Yours In Christ,
The Rev. Jonathan Carrothers
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Sue Graham A wonderful person. Always interesting and fun. The world is a sadder place without her.
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Sarah Noyes Roberts My condolences to all of Loni’s family. She was a wonderful lady whose energy and joie de vivre made her a joy to know. I will always remember her thoughtfulness, kindness, and warmth. I was blessed to have Loni as my godmother and she was one of my favourite people, I will always have fond memories of her.
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Marge Macdonald My deepest condolences to Loni’s family. She was a very interesting lady, and will be missed by everyone at Berwick House.
Loni and I had a long term friendship starting from our time in Halifax. Naval wives together. I always considered Loni my mentor – an expert in French cooking, bridge, gardening, opera – best experienced at Garsington, Santa Fe or the Met and how to make as good martini to name a few areas of her expertise.
Loni had a kind heart and was a faithful friend, keeping in touch, offer assistance, support and laughter as needed. She was indomitable and pursued what life had to offer with great spirit.
We will miss her terribly.