Obituaries

With heavy hearts but joyful memories, that we announce the passing of Laurel Dayle Bowes, who left us at the age of 64, to walk into the arms of the Lord the evening of August 5th, 2024, surrounded by her loving family and friends.

Laurel lived a life full of love, laughter, and inspiration, and her legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of everyone who knew her.

Laurel is survived by her daughters Janelle and Nelly and her grandson Jaylon, her younger sister Deanne, niece and nephew Ryley and Dustin, her younger brother Rob (Wendy) and nephew Jared, her cousins Michelle, Melody, Darren and Rob, Crystal, Sandy and Dale, her uncles Larry (Gloria) and Tim She is predeceased by her mother Lenora Jeffels and living father, Dale Bowes.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta Laurel was a beacon of kindness and positivity. She lived a life surrounded by family and friends who admired her infectious laugh, sweet smile, boundless energy and unwavering optimism.

Laurel met her daughter’s father, Nelson Simmons, on a plane in Calgary. He was a professional baseball player and she was a professional dancer. Her greatest joy were her beautiful daughters and her precious grandson. They were her life and her heart and she was so proud of them.

She lived a life that reflected her deep and unwavering faith, illuminating the lives of those fortunate enough to cross her path. To know Laurel, was to witness the beauty of true grace, kindness, and compassion.

She was fond of great music – funk, blues, jazz, reggae and gospel. Anywhere there was live music, you would find Laurel dancing the night away. She was always living in the moment. She embraced each day as a gift, always eager to serve, love, and lift others up. Whether through acts of service, words of wisdom, or a simple smile, she touched countless hearts. 

Even though she was very gifted intellectually and could have done and been anything that she wanted, she spent the majority of her life as an accountant.

Laurel embodied patience, love, and gentleness, living each moment in thankfulness. Her faith carried her through life’s trials, and in every challenge, she found reason to be joyful, praise God and find gratitude.

One of her favourite, often quoted verses from the Bible that she found so much peace and hope in was Psalm 91:2, “I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress; in God, in whom I trust.” 

Although we mourn the loss of sweet Laurel’s presence on earth, we rejoice in knowing she is now basking in the eternal glory of Heaven, walking with her Saviour as she always knew she would.

In keeping with her wishes, she will have a Green Burial at the Royal Oak Burial Park in Victoria, BC. We don’t say goodbye, because we know this is not the end. 

We celebrate the beautiful journey of a life well-lived, a heart full of love, and a spirit that will be forever in our hearts. 

We will miss her but we rejoice in the assurance that she is now home, with her saviour who she served so faithfully. Her legacy will live on in the love she sowed, the faith she nurtured, the hope she shared and the many lives that she touched.

Her family and friends would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the staff at Care Funeral Services, Royal Oak Burial Park and the doctors and staff at the Victoria General Hospital.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.