Dawnette HUMPHREY

HUMPHREY, Dawnette

It is with immense sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Mom and wife, Dawnette Humphrey (nee Hornung). Dawnette’s battle with lymphoma came to a close in her home in Ladysmith on March 20, 2021 with her family gathered at her bedside. While our hearts mourn her loss, it is with great pride that we are able to share a few words to celebrate her life.

Dawnette was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan to Frank and Lauretta (Trudeau) Hornung on April 29, 1957. The joy that she brought into the world on this day was sustained throughout her life. Anyone who was fortunate enough to meet our Mom shared in the gentle kindness of her spirit. Dawnette remembered her childhood fondly and graced us with a smile whenever she shared stories about growing up on the Prairies with her cousins.

With her inherently caring nature, becoming a nurse was the natural choice for our Mom. After graduating from Bishop Carroll High School in Calgary, Alberta, she attended nursing school and began her career at Mineral Springs Hospital in Banff. Later, she also worked at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, BC.

On a trip to Vancouver Island in 1979, Dawnette met her husband, Jim Humphrey. After marrying within a year, their love sustained a marriage that spanned nearly 41 years. With Jim serving in the Royal Canadian Navy, our family lived in Calgary for a brief time before permanently re-settling on Vancouver Island in 1989 (Sooke, Lake Cowichan, and finally Ladysmith). This suited Dawnette well as her love for the ocean was only seconded by her love for her family.

We can say with confidence that being a mother defined Dawnette’s life. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. It is with an overwhelming sense of pride that she watched Ryan, Breanne, Jamie, and Jordan grow up, supporting them through every stage of life.

Dawnette served as a volunteer in her communities with various organizations but none was more special to her than Girl Guides of Canada. Beginning as a Brownie in her own childhood, she remained dedicated to the organization throughout her life. She loved each of her many positions held in Guiding but was particularly honoured to serve as the BC Provincial Commissioner from 2013 – 2016. Guiding brought joy to Dawnette’s life in so many ways, especially in seeing the accomplishments of the young women she mentored and in forging lifelong friendships with many wonderful women across BC and the country.

We would like to extend our most sincere thanks to the medical team who provided invaluable care to our Mom over the years, including Dr. Keith Losie, Dr. Willie Pewarchuk, Dr. Valorie Masuda, and Dr. Kim Adzich, as well as the Cowichan Palliative Care nurses and chemotherapy nurses at the Cowichan District Hospital.

Dawnette’s life will continue to be celebrated by her mother (Lauretta), husband (Jim), brothers (Rocky and Daren [Louise]), four children (Ryan, Breanne [Derek], Jamie, and Jordan), brother/sisters-in-law (David, Linda, Heather, Bobbi [Dean], and Wilda), nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends. Our Mom was truly an angel in her life here on Earth; now she has her real wings.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the BC Cancer Foundation in Dawnette’s name. www.bccancerfoundation.com/Dawnette_Humphrey