I was born to loving parents Mary and Victor Camilleri on July 29th, 1953, in Summerside, PEI.
I was the eldest of four siblings and two pups: Chris (Kathi), Patti (James), David (Karol), and Sue (Brian), Princess and Lady. Our family settled in Comox, BC where I attended Georges P Vanier until I left to study nursing in the 1970s at Malaspina College-University. I established some beautiful friendships with childhood girlfriends who have been part of my life to the end. Our family life in Comox was full of creative and crazy adventures. But there was always love. I will especially treasure our Christmas gatherings which were rich with family, laughter, and blessings.
As I ventured forth in life, I struggled with health issues that I had since childhood but always with humour and perseverance. In 1973, I married my high school boyfriend Ed. We lived in Vancouver and Revelstoke, enjoying good times and facing challenges, until we decided to take our respective paths in different directions. After exploring new adventures and living solo in Vancouver, it was in the late 1980s that I met my husband, Vince. We both loved football, music, and animals, and so we built a life together: first in Vancouver with our cat Otis, then in New Westminster where we bought our 1913 house and welcomed more furry family members, Marley, Bear, Menty and Vader. We sold our little house where we lived for 25 years in 2022, and moved to our lovely condo along the beautiful Fraser River where I would watch my favourite birds and the sunrise every morning.
I worked as a nurse for many years at Mount St Joseph’s and St Paul’s until my retirement in 2010. I was passionate about my work and loved to incorporate humour and performance to help ease the pain of those around me. I cared immensely about people—especially those who suffered in life. I understood pain. I struggled with many health challenges, but with the support of my family and friends I managed to work through many of those challenges with humour, love, and with the music of the Beatles and Bob Marley.
I loved to read, to create (my dolls, my quilts, my bottles are cherished), and make people laugh. I was one hell of a standup comedian! But family was most important to me—both furry and human. I was blessed with many nieces and nephews who I carry very close to my heart, and who gave me so much joy. I was a creative spirit, and I loved without condition—especially my family.
And so, on September 16th, 2023, I took flight from this earth and now bask in the love of my mum and dad, and all the family and friends that have passed before me. Maybe I’ll cross paths with John and Bob too. I will miss you all—my brothers, my sisters, my nieces, my nephews, my dear friends. But most of all I will miss you, Vince. You were my soulmate, my caregiver, my love. I will lay to rest with a beautiful view of Fraser River at the Fraser River Cemetery in New Westminster. Be kind to each other. Let It Be.
If you are able, I would love it if you could offer a donation in my name to your local SPCA or to the BC Epilepsy Society.
My family and I offer heartfelt thanks to the medical and general staff at RCH. Your compassion and care will always be remembered.
A Celebration of my life will be held on Sat. Nov 4th 2-6 pm at
The Royal City Curling Club, 75 East 6th Avenue, New West, BC V3L 4B7