January 23, 1930 - March 28, 2020
Mae (nee Naylor), born on January 23rd, 1930 in Nanaimo, a proud native daughter, passed away unexpectedly at home on Saturday, March 28th. Mae was predeceased by her husband of 54 years, Lynden, and siblings, Tommy, Eleanor, George, John, and her twin, Dorothy.
Mae literally married the boy next door and began life as a Navy wife. Soon after marriage she and Lyn moved to Dartmouth, NS. In 1952, only a few weeks after Lynda was born, they boarded the RMS Queen Elizabeth and followed Lyn's Naval career to London, England. 1954 saw the young family move back to Dartmouth, where Patricia, Gregory and Susan were born.
In 1964 Lyn retired from the Navy and the family happily moved back home to Nanaimo. The family spent every summer camping at Tall Timbers on Sproat Lake, where water skiing, swimming, and picnics filled every day. Mom was very proud when she tried and succeeded at water skiing for the first time in her mid-forties. Once the kids were grown Mae and Lyn made a trip to Phoenix, AZ to "test the fairways", resulting in the Birds becoming Snowbirds, spending three months each year enjoying sunshine and golf; they were also fortunate enough to be able to spend extended holidays in Australia and Hawaii.
Later years found Mae vacationing on Quadra Island and at Chesterman Beach. Mae enjoyed frequent, long drives on the Island with her daughter, Susan, often followed by a feed of fish and chips. It didn't matter where she was on the Island, Port Alberni Cumberland, Victoria or Nanaimo, Mom always had site-specific, interesting facts to share from her childhood.
Mae is survived by her children, Lyn (Les Deacon), Tricia, Greg (Kathryn Ryan) and Susan. Missing her Momma will be Mae's beloved cat, Madison. Grandma will be lovingly remembered by her adoring grandchildren: Tai Deacon (Gaetan Connelly), Bret Deacon (Chantell Clements), Bryn Deacon (Michael Stinson) and Shelby Jack. Gigi was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Cypress & Remington Connelly, Hailey Mae Deacon and Emma & Owen Gillie. Mae will be dearly missed by her treasured sisters, Betty Ann (Mario Feltrin) and Margaret Kenny, and many nieces and nephews.
Mae was an avid golfer, cherished time spent with her grand/great-grandchildren, loved the family pets (no doubt Tuula, Kuma and many others greeted Mom at the Rainbow Bridge), enjoyed creating great meals for her family, had a terrific sense of humour, but most importantly she was a wonderful Mother and a true friend.
The family would like to thank Dr. Miguel Pereira for his outstanding care, BC Ambulance Service and the RCMP. Mae lived an active and meaningful
life until the day she passed. Mae was an extremely strong woman, she kicked Cancer in the butt twice; in lieu of flowers please contribute to the BC Cancer Foundation. No service at Mae's request. A life worth living!
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