Geraldine Jarvis (Noak), beloved mother, aunt, cousin and friend, passed away on November 2nd, 2021 at the age of 82. Geri is survived by her son, John Derby and daughter, Anne Derby. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Francesca; Ruth; Jane; Jack and Charlie; her nephews, Berrick (Melanie) and Stephen (Robin) Black; and her niece, Julia Black (Tim MacDougall). She is predeceased by her son, David Derby; her sister, Betty Lannon; and her husband, Bill Jarvis.
Geri grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, the daughter of Ruth and Alfred Noak. By all accounts, Betty and Geri had a happy upbringing. Their grandfather owned Queen City Meats and their aunt, uncle and dad worked in the family business. Geri attended the University of Edmonton where she completed a Bachelor of Arts while working at the community pool.
Geri moved to pursue a Master of Social Work at UBC in 1961. She quickly became a Vancouver convert and was able to build friendships and contribute to her community including volunteering her time to Family Services of Greater Vancouver. Geri was an exceptional bridge player and could often be found completing a cryptic crossword with her trusted Webster’s Dictionary by her side.
Geri met both her husbands on blind dates. The first was while at UBC where she met and married Winton Derby in 1964. They had three children and remained close friends to the end. The second part of her life started when she met and married Bill Jarvis. They traveled the world, spent their winters in Palm Springs, and took cruises with friends. Geri was truly happy.
Geri was a very devoted and loyal member of our family. She had an extensive network of cousins among the Rickards and Clendening families. At her annual family summer lunch, she and her cousins could be heard booking next year’s date before the party had even ended.
When her sister, Betty, passed away in 1986, it was a loss she never got over. She cared for and looked over her niece and nephews, bringing Julia into her home. Another love was lost when her son, David, died last year. They had a special bond and she missed him, daily.
Geri loved her friends, and she had many. She was trustworthy, a good listener, and was interested in people. Most of all, she loved to have fun. Whether it was over lunch, at the bridge table, at one of her deck parties or with her weekly Granville Island coffee group, Geri placed great value on her friendships and it showed.
A heartfelt thanks to all of Geri’s health care providers especially Dr. Beth Donaldson, Geri’s G.P. Our deepest and most sincere gratitude to Sherril Salvadore, Geri’s caregiver, and loyal friend.
A reception in Geri’s honour will be held on Wednesday, November 24th at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club. Space is limited and proof of vaccination is required upon entry. Please contact Anne or email gerireception@outlook.com if you would like to attend. Further details will be given once we have confirmed your attendance. We will do our best to accommodate all who would like to attend and appreciate your understanding.
In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in her name to the Salvation Army’s Vancouver Harbour Light, an organisation close to her heart.