Jun 20, 1923 - Feb 4, 2018
My beloved Mother, Susan Dalby passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early hours on February 4, 2018 at Eden Gardens in Nanaimo.
She was predeceased by her husband Ralph Dalby and her son Gary Dalby. Susan will be sadly missed by her daughter Lynn (John) Halkett, grandchildren Katrina, Leah, Amy and Robert and her cherished great-grandson, Lyndon along with her Sister Anne Boyd and numerous nieces and nephews.
Susan was born in Stulani, Czechoslovakia and moved to Gabriola Island in 1934 with her Mom and siblings to join her Father who had immigrated the year before to start a new life for his family. She spent her teenage years on Gabriola and worked her first job at the general store. Her Dad's job in the logging industry brought the family to Ladysmith and Mom started working at the cafe in the Ross Hotel on Esplanade; it is there where she met Ralph and they were married on February 5, 1944. They were thrilled to welcome their son Gary into their lives in 1954 and then two years later their daughter Lynn completed their family.
Susan was an avid gardener with over 50 azaleas and rhododendrons at the beach house along with her prize vegetable garden and various fruit trees. She loved to cook and would use her fresh vegetables and fruits to create many fabulous dishes. There was always a batch of fresh cookies or muffins ready for anyone who dropped in for a visit.
Susan and Ralph had a passion for dancing; everything from square dancing to waltzes and lively jigs. They were always the first on the dance floor at the Fire Department and Rotary Club functions. She belonged to a bowling league in the 60's and 70's and loved the camaraderie of her team. Mom volunteered with the Chemainus Hospital Auxiliary for many years until her and Dad moved back to Ladysmith.
When the children were younger the family traveled in the summers around BC and Alberta and down to California to visit Susan's brother and his family. Susan and Ralph enjoyed salmon fishing each summer and travels to Hawaii, Acapulco, Texas and a couple great cruises to Alaska.
Mom enjoyed spending time with her friends while living at La Rosa Gardens for over 7 years before moving to Eden Gardens in Nanaimo. Thank you to the wonderful staff at La Rosa and to the caring and well-trained Dementia health care professionals at Eden Gardens.
Mom left a beautiful hand-written letter stating "No fuss - I don't want any service or teas to be held for me" so we will honour her request.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to the Alzheimer Society of BC or Cops for Cancer-Tour de Rock at Ladysmith & District Credit Union.
Mom was known to always have a smile and a mischievous twinkle in her eye.
In the words of Johnny Cash "We'll meet again, Don't know where, Don't know when, But I know We'll meet again, Some sunny day.