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Violet Nowik

December 25, 2008

Violet passed away peacefully in the Victoria General Hospital on December 25, 2008.


On January 6, 1941, Violet, the youngest of three daughters, was born to Steve and Mary Nowik in Fernie, BC. She grew up in Fernie, graduated from high school, and then moved to Victoria where she graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1962.

After Violet’s father and sister Sophie passed away, Violet’s mother joined her in Victoria and together they established a happy home on Leslie Drive. Violet and her mother shared the joys of gardening, pets, cooking Polish dishes, travelling and participating in church and community activities. Their door was always open for their friends, neighbours, and family members. Her mother passed away in 1976.

Violet loved all animals and wildlife. Until retirement, Violet worked as a carrier for the Saanich News. Violet delivered her papers using a Radio Flyer wagon. The cats and dogs on the delivery route were familiar with the sound of this wagon and would come out to meet Violet on the street. Violet knew them all by name and would engage them in conversation, give them pats, and provide treats. Violet believed that if you met a person’s pet, you would eventually meet the pet’s owner, thereby gaining both as friends. Violet was blessed with a wealth of friends.

Violet was a member of St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Saanich, where she served on the Alter Guild and participated in Sunday school, prayer groups for the less fortunate, and other activities. Violet contributed products from her kitchen, her garden, and her knitting needles.

Violet was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her sister Florence (Wilson) Quail of Saskatoon. She leaves behind three nephews and one niece: Douglas (Beverly) Quail of Okotoks, AB, and children Matthew and Paul; Kevin (Elva) Quail of Saskatoon and children; Cory, Lyndon, Tamara, Wesley, and Kevin; Eric (Vera) Quail and children Jaylynn and Adam; Jacqueline (David Pinelle) Quail of Saskatoon; Jade Palmer, a great niece, and cousins Eugene Nowik of Golden, BC, and Alexander Nowik of Edmonton, AB.

Violet considered the children of Florence and Wilson to be her children. She always kept in touch with them as they grew up and started families of their own. She rejoiced in becoming a great aunt. Violet was very generous with her time, knitting clothing for the children at their births and every Christmas. The toques and sweaters received much attention and many compliments from strangers, who commented, “Your aunt must love you very much!” She always sent unique cards to every child for each occasion.

Violet’s love and compassion for mankind and living things is an inspiration to all. Violet’s memory will forever be lovingly carried in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

Violet’s family sends many thanks to the staff of the Victoria General Hospital for their kindness and compassion. If friends so desire,

in lieu of flowers, donations in Violet’s memory may be made

to the Victoria Branch of the SPCA or The World Wildlife Fund.


A service to celebrate Violet’s life will be held on

Wednesday, January 21, 2008, at 2:00 p.m. at:


St. Peter’s Anglican Church

3939 St. Peter’s Rd., Victoria, BC.