Passed away at home surrounded by her family on January 5, 2019. Born in Wales to Harold and Blanche Evans, and the sister of Ian, she was the much beloved wife of Martin, the wonderful mother of Stuart (Kira), Sarah (Paul) and Susannah (Adam), and the loving nana of Iona, Oriana, Abigail, Maia and Julianne. Educated in the UK, as a highly respected teacher and administrator, Avril’s career included positions in Vancouver, Hamilton and Victoria. Sustained and empowered by her Christian faith, she radiated love and grace to all who had the privilege to know her as friend and colleague. She will be greatly missed by her family and wide circle of friends in Canada, the UK and the US. A service of celebration of her life will be held at Dundas Baptist Church on Saturday, January 19 at 11 a.m. Donations in lieu of flowers can be directed to the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation, International Development Enterprises (IDE) Canada, and Circle of Friends for Newcomers (Hamilton).
905-628-6412
info@turnerfh.ca
Sending much love at this sad time. I have so many fond memories of our families im Dundas, Georgetown and everywhere in between. Auntie Avril was kind, gracious, calm and good-natured. Hold tight to all your beautiful memories and to each other. With love from Alison (Macewan) Cuthbert and family x
All memories of Avril are wonderful ones of a dear friend who always extended hospitality and kindness, no matter the situation. Her devotion to her family, her commitment to community and the exercise of her faith are unmatched.
Sincerely missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Martin and family. Avril was a special friend and gracious hostess and will be missed dearly.
Dear Stu, Kira and Girls. Please accept my deepest sympathies over the loss of your mom, mother-in-law and grandma. May you get comfort in knowing she is in heaven.
I was very sorry to hear about Avril’s passing. Even though I only met her on a number of occasions, she always radiated kindness and genuineness. I will miss our little chats and our shared interests… Please accept our deepest condolences. Irena, Alan, and Sivan.
Martin and Family,
Isaac and I sat in my office yesterday reminiscing about dinners at your place. Avril, always such a gracious host happy, welcoming and supportive. Many of us ate at your table and we are so much the better for it. Grad school, a little less intimidating. A little better prepared for the what’s-to-come. Thoughts are with you.
Dear Martin and family
My deepest sympathies. I have very fond recent memories of engaging with you and Avril over dinner at the RBJ Christmas dinner only a month ago. What always struck me about Avril was her beauty, inside and out. Always caring, always engaged, very intelligent. I can’t imagine how deeply you will miss her. Take strength from the many, many wonderful memories you made together. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Josie d’Avernas and the RIA team
Avril will always be remembered as a loving friend. For almost 50 years, we have enjoyed her wisdom, humor and hospitality. Avril and Martin were part of a Bible study with us for nearly 25 years, sharing many young family challenges together in the Lord. Later years here in BC, hiking together and just being together. Avril, you will be missed greatly by all of us, but for Martin and family, please continue to cherish those fond memories as we will.
Dear Martin, my heart aches for you as I know the love, respect and admiration you and Avril shared with one another was profound. You are in my thoughts. Hugs, Leslie
Dear Martin and Family,
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Avril’s passing. As a former colleague at the University of Victoria, I respected her commitment to students and dedication to teaching and learning. Avril will be missed.
Roger A. Howden, Victoria, B.C.
Avril, my loving friend….you will be missed. My sincere sympathy to Martin, your wonderful family and many friends. We’ll have to have that coffee chat when I meet you again in your new loving, painfree home. I’ll always remember you and your gentle, caring way. Nancy and Charlie Purich
Dear Martin and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a lifelong partner, mother, and friend, no matter the circumstances brings a weight of sadness because our love is so great in its depth and breadth. I hope that day by day you will welcome and cherish the best memories of Avril, and know how precious it was to have her in your lives.
Thinking of you at this time with great kindness and respect,
Denise
Dear Martin, Stuart, Sarah, Susannah and family,
We were very saddened to hear of Avril’s passing. She was indeed a warm, caring and passionate person who had a lovely sense of humour. The world needs more people like her. Avril was always a welcoming host to your dinner table and she was our “official” wedding photographer many years ago. We will cherish our memories of her and will never forget her kind ways. We are both grateful to have known her. Our thoughts are with you now.
Brent and Masha Hall
Dear Martin and family, I am shocked and saddened to hear of Avril’s passing. She had a beautiful soul. So sorry….
Jen Birchall Weusten
I remember your Mom and our get together son Green Meadow Way
She was a truly amazing kind friend. Be assured she will be only thought of with love
My deepest sympathy to all the family
Sincere sympathy to Avril’s Family.
I met Avril at MUMC. We always chatted when we met. I was still working in the OR at the time. I believe it is about 6 years that we met and then I retired and joined the group of volunteers that belonged to the OR and PACU.
Avril will be missed. She was always warm and welcome.
Thinking of all of you at this sad time.
Marilyn Miller
What a very sad day in the McMaster P.A.C.U. (Recovery Room) and in Volunteer Services yesterday when we heard the news of Avril’s passing. Our kind, considerate, passionate friend no longer heading up our Volunteer Team. Privileged we were for only a few years but what an impact Avril made in our lives. She had a presence about her that commanded only our respect, always making us feel important and appreciated. Never taking credit for her tremdous organiziational skills in her volunteer position of coordinating Volunteers each and every day. We will miss you dear Friend!
Martin and family please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss. Will miss our occasional chats when you have been out walking, always had a laugh about our shared name and her wanting my number plate.
With much love and caring for what you are going through right now, I also praise God with you that your mother is with her wonderful Saviour and Heavenly Father in complete joy and pain free. I know you will miss her terribly but soon we will meet her again. I’m thankful to have met her. She was a very gracious woman.
Love Marilyn Borland
We remember Avril as a devoted wife and mother who visibly lived her faith in God. Proverbs 31:28. Condolences to her dear family who sorrow not as others who have no hope.
Martin and family:
My friend, Avril, is now at Peace and resting in the Presence of our Lord.
I am reminiscing of the years of fellowship we shared at Royal Oak Baptist in Victoria – our ongoing friendship as neighbors in Broadmead and the numerous occasions when Avril and I walked to Broadmead to chat on summer evenings and enjoy our special menu together. Your invitations to share dinner in your home were very special.
Avril was a unique woman – full of grace, love, understanding, and knowledge.
You will miss her very much as we all will, but what Joy to know you will be reunited someday.
Love, Beverley
Our deepest condolences to Susannah, Adam and your families on the passing away of your mother. Indeed from God we all come and indeed to Him we are returning. We had the pleasure of experiencing her grace and hospitality at your home, and her wonderful company. May God give you patience and bring your family closer to Him and each other always.
I’m so sorry to hear of Avril’s passing. She will be missed. She was a wonderful volunteer for many years at the McMaster Children’s Hospital. She was kind and compassionate and always did her very best for the patients and their families. She spoke often of her family and loved you all!
I am incredibly saddened to hear of Avril’s passing. We met at McMaster Mini-Med school and immediately hit it off. For the past umpteen years we made a point to sit side by side during the class and I loved hearing about all the amazing stories of travel and volunteering she did. There was always a weekly update on her family and I could tell they were by far the most precious thing to her. She was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren and loved spending time with them doing all sorts of fun things !
I hope that your dearest memories will help comfort you at such a devastating time.
There will be a significant void in the seat next to me at the next mini-med class.
With sincere sympathy,
Sheri MacDonald
My heartfelt sympathy to all those who knew and loved Avril. She was a lovely friend and will be sadly missed.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Avril. Fond memories of a lovely lady and neighbour. Sincere sympathies to all family members.
Janet and Serge Cazzola
Dear Martin and Family:
I am so very sorry to hear the news of Avril’s passing. She was such a gracious woman. I hope you are able to find solace in the many wonderful memories you created as a family.
We remember fondly occasional meetings with Avril over many years. She was a woman of grace, generosity, humour and faith, a blessing to those around her. We send our prayers and sympathy to Martin and the family in your grief.
Dear Martin and family
While I knew in my heart that Avril would not be with us in this world much longer I did not want to believe it. For me, as for many of us, she will always be close. When I go to a Thai restaurant, read narrative non-fiction (which she introduced me to) or walk though the leaves on a rainy day, I know she will be there. Her contributions to this world are many. My condolences to you all.
Dear Martin, Stuart, Kira, Sarah, Paul, Sue, Adam, and all the grandchildren,
We know centrally important your family is in your lives and how central Avril was to your family. We are all so deeply sorry for this deep loss at the heart of yourselves. We are here for you, however you may need us.
With love, Chris, Allegra, Sofie and Téa.
Dear Martin and family,
We are very sorry for your loss.
Love, Viktor and Elke Henschel
Dear Martin,
I just heard today of Avril’s passing. I am so very sorry for this great loss for you and your family. My heart goes out to you all.
Our family has so many fond memories of Avril. Her gentle way coupled with her quick wit brought joy to the many people she influenced over the years.
I know what my Mom would say: “The world is a poorer place without her”. ?