June 5, 1944 - December 3, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
Bobbie departed this peacefully at her home in Oak Bay with her husband and a long-time friend at her side. Her charming personality would light up a room whether at work, a party or with friends and family.
Bobbie will be lovingly remembered by her husband Colin, daughter Nadine McConnan (Michael); stepdaughter Coleen MacEachern (Gordie); stepson Patrick Smith (Lorraine); step grandchildren Finley, Alexia and Arden; brother Peter (Edwina); nephews Tony and Michael and families; extended family members in British Columbia, Ontario, United States, United Kingdom and France; and her circle of valued friends - near and far.
Born in Epsom, Surrey, UK, Bobbie arrived in Canada at Pier 21, Halifax, NS in the arms of her war-bride mother Rosa Weber (nee Rossetti) on November 17, 1944. Following her father Raymond's demobilization and a brief residence in Kenora, ON, the family moved to Campbell River, BC in 1947 where Bobbie grew up and graduated high school. Highlights of her youthful days included high school cheerleading and winning the 1963 Miss Campbell River Pageant and, subsequently, the PNE's Miss Congeniality Award.
Bobbie married Brian McConnan in 1964. Following several years as a BCTel coastal communities' radio telephone operator and the birth of her daughter, Bobbie began a long vocation in retail sales ranging initially from artwork, United Way fundraising and co-ownership of a cosmetics studio to, subsequently, destination tourism, antique furniture, florals and women's fashions.
She was a Girl Guides "Tawny Owl" and with long-time friend Donna Hunter, ardently oversaw young girls' development. She much enjoyed camping and boating on Vancouver Island and supported the activities of Campbell River's volunteer fire fighters, aviators and vintage car enthusiasts.
Bobbie remarried in 1987 and resided thereafter in Victoria (with a three-year interlude in New Westminster). She and Colin travelled throughout British Columbia; to nearly all parts of Canada; to numerous locations in the United States from Alaska, Hawaii to Florida; Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico, Asia and New Zealand.
In later years, they enjoyed relaxation times at Qualicum Beach where Bobbie continued her love of birding and observing wildlife generally. Bobbie was a passionate gardener and gave freely of advice to all who shared in it.
The attention and support caringly provided by her personal services providers and doctors and nurses over the span of her lengthy residence in Victoria including her family doctor Samuel Hartford (and Cindy), RebalanceMD, the BCCancer Agency, Victoria General and Royal Jubilee Hospitals and VIHA's hospice palliative care and community nursing teams is sincerely appreciated.
A celebration of Bobbie's life will be held at a future date.
Memorial donations to a charity of choice would be wonderful.