Durban, Lesley Constance (nee Hill)
July 17, 1924 - Oct. 6, 2014
With grace and dignity, at home with her family, our dear Lesley passed from this world, leaving it a better place.
Predeceased by her parents, M.G. and Charlotte Hill (Vidal), her first husband Malcolm Clark, second, Barney Durban and son Grant, she is survived by her sons Roy (Marilyn) and Graham (Jeanette) Clark, Michael (Judy), Pat (Dorothy) and Gary (Maureen) Durban, brothers David, Gerry (Kathy) and Richard (Sandi) Hill, grandchildren Courtney, Malcolm, Andrea, Jason, Chelsea, Forbes, Cameron, Jefferey, Mark and Erin, great-grandchildren Frankie, Luke, Eli, Zach and too many nieces, nephews, and great grand nieces and nephews to list.
She was born in Vancouver and spent her life between Burnaby, Vancouver and the family business, Yellow Point Lodge, which she loved and worked at well into her eighties. She attended King George High School, served as a Wren in WWII and performed in the ‘Theater Under the Stars’ as well as many other productions. Lesley was a member of the Arbutus Spinner’s and Weavers Guild, the A.C.W. and the Trefoil Guild. Service to the Anglican Church was a very big part of her life, singing in the choir and helping the minister of the day. She also supported Operation Smile and Plan Canada.
Her kind heart and energy could be appreciated when, while she was in her eighties, if someone asked where Lesley was that day, the answer would likely be “she’s out buying groceries... for the old people”.
Her life was filled with a love of nature, cooking, her Church, crafts and especially gardening. The love she gave and received through her family can’t be expressed in words.
Lesley’s real strength and spirit truly shone through the last few months of her life. Despite a nasty fall and lengthy hospitalization, she kept her smile and could be counted on to share a laugh with, regardless.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Kennedy, Dr. Hay, Health Care Services of Ladysmith Urgent Care, Nanaimo Regional and Cowichan District Hospitals, the B.C. Ambulance Service, St. John’s Anglican Church, Ladysmith Pharmasave and Rexall, the Canadian Red Cross, Yellow Point Lodge and a very special thank you to Jessica Borromeo, home care aide.
A memorial service was held at St. John’s Anglican in Ladysmith on Thursday, October 9th, with a celebration of life to follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation
could be made to ‘Operation Smile’ (operationsmile.org)
to help children in developing countries receive
cleft palate and facial surgery.