Daryl lost her battle with cancer on February 2nd, passing peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family and friends.
She was predeceased by her parents (Ruth, Clare), and her aunt (Lea). Daryl leaves behind to mourn: her husband of 50 years, Glenn; her brother Derek (Maureen); 3 children Cameron (Jamie), Kirstie and Joel (Kate); her stepson Paul (Lori) and stepdaughter Shelley; and her 5 grandchildren that she loved deeply: Elliot, Casey, Karolina, Pashabel and Manqoba. She has enriched everyone with her playfulness, love and kindness.
Daryl taught in Kamloops from 1969 until she retired in 2002. She has worked as an English teacher, a counselor, and an administrator but her real love was counseling. She saw people as individuals and she was able to find the good buried inside everyone. The world is surely better for all the broken spirits she has mended.
After retirement, Daryl went to China, to teach at universities in Beijing and Shanghai. The Chinese students loved her for her warmth and kindness and there was much sadness when she returned to Kamloops in 2008. She has continued with some of these friendships until her death.
China reignited her passion for travel and foreign cultures, a passion that has led to extended jaunts with friends and family literally all over the globe. Wherever she landed, she would leave behind a little piece of herself.
Wherever she was, she always found opportunities to lift spirits and ease burdens. Often on a crowded subway she would offer to help someone struggling with heavy bags, or she’d play peek-a-boo with a crying baby on an airplane and transform tears to smiles.
She was a loving force in our lives, one that bonded family and friends, and she will be dearly missed.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date when restrictions to gatherings will be rescinded.
Condolences may be sent to the family from
7 Tributes
Dear Glenn and family, Judy and I and our daughters Jennifer and Michelle had many connections with your family, which we cherish. Daryl was an integral part of those connections, always supportive, always positive, always a friend.
Glenn, this expression of shared sorrow for your family’s loss, but it is also our loss as we feel your sorrow as well. Judy and I have read many obituaries of famous people whose life touched us, but when a friend passes on, and we think of how they connected to all of us their death was a small thing when we think of the goodness that they left behind.
Glenn, we have been fortunate to have had people like Daryl in our life.
Warm wishes to you and the family, currently and in the future. We are thinking about you and the family currently and in the days to come.
Judy and Walter Trkla
Dear Glenn, Kirstie, Cameron and Joel. Bruce and I, along with Rosalind and Kristina, are so very sorry to read of Daryl’s passing. We all remember her with fondness, as a friend, a neighbour, a colleague and as the mom of Kirstie, good friend to our daughters.
Sending you all good wishes at this difficult time.
The Mitchells
Dear Glenn and family, Our hearts go out to you as you mourn the loss of dear Daryl. She was a fun loving wonderful person and will be missed by all of us. May time ease your sorrow and family memories bring each one of you peace.
The Reimers
Dear Glenn and family – I was privileged to have worked with Daryl during her first posting as a vice principal. I am so grateful for the opportunities I had to learn from her and laugh with her (and we did laugh…a lot!). Her ability to connect to the core of people was a gift to me and to so many kids and staff. She was truly a blessing in my life and career. My thoughts and condolences are with you.
Glenn, our thoughts are with you and your family. Take care of each other.
Charmaine Bartram and girls
Dear Glenn and family
We are saddened by the sudden passing of Daryl. We have spent the past days talking and thinking of her and you. We have many good memories of Daryl and being together.
As a colleague of John’s, Daryl was the best partner one could have in a counselling office. Walking to work most days, while we were both at Westsyde was a great way to start every day. We would talk about kids, teachers, parents, and admin, and we always came to school seeing the upside. She listened well to everyone and had the ability to have the staff reflect before they reacted. She was a colleague that I trusted unconditionally. Unfortunately, she left to spend time with some guy in China!
Jean recalls walking and talking with Daryl. By the end of the walks we had all “the problems” solved! We remember her for the stories she shared, the perspectives she offered and many laughs together.
Daryl was a colleague, neighbour and a good friend to both of us. She had a way of making any day brighter. We are thinking of you often right now and remembering Daryl.
Sending our love and hugs to you and your family.
Jean & John Webb
I just saw this sad notice today. My condolences to your family.
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Miss LaCroix, thankyou so very much for being there when I was a teen. You were such a positive influence, and I turned out well.