Born Patricia Elizabeth Girvin in Winnipeg, her family moved to a farm on Vancouver Island at the height of the Great Depression, when she was seven years old. She attended Victoria College where she trained as a teacher, and spent the next forty years working in early childhood education, founding Noah’s Ark Nursery School in Centerport, New York, and later managing Christopher Robin preschool in Victoria. Elizabeth fervently believed in the importance of opening children’s hearts and minds to words, music and ideas.
Her personal life led to a series of adventures that relocated her and family to Connecticut, New York and the Virgin Islands, before returning permanently to Victoria in 1976. The adventures continued however: after retiring, she became a Reiki master under the aegis of Sister Eileen Curteis of the Sisters of St. Ann, joined the International Quiet Garden Association to whom she offered her home for retreats, and found great joy in her peace pole and what it represents. In 2023, she published “Flowers from the Dark”, a book of poetry chronicling her long, and ultimately successful, struggle against cancer. Her final project, a family cookbook, was printed just before her last day.
Over her long life, Elizabeth touched and helped the lives of hundreds of others, who found solace and guidance in her grace, wisdom and kindness. A deep believer in the holy spirit, she exuded love and empathy combined with a sense of play and fun; she’d happily enjoy a glass of wine watching the sunset wherever she found herself. Able to find joy and beauty in most things, Elizabeth never wavered in her commitment to care for and give to others.
Pre-deceased by her husband, Arthur Eede, and brother, John Girvin, she leaves behind her son John Lloyd, daughter Ann, son in law Scott, and granddaughter Elsa, all of whom were with her when she peacefully passed on April 17. A memorial service will be held for her at 2 pm Monday, April 27, St. George’s Anglican Church in Cadboro Bay. A small reception will follow.
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