ELIZABETH DARLENE HOGG
(nee Downey)
was called home on December 4, 2008 at
Lady Minto Hospital on Salt Spring Island, BC
after a long battle with Leukemia.
She is predeceased by mother (Eva), father (Archie), brother (Aaron), ex-husband (Lloyd). She is survived by her husband Bruce Hogg, brother Robert (Karen), son Joseph, daughters Jeannine (Joe) and Elsie (Tasso). Grandchildren Santana, Kirsten, Warren, Megan, Serena, Keira and Antigoni; stepchildren Cliff (Michelle), Lois (Adam), Brad, Kristi (Drew); nieces Crystal and Colleen (Richard).
Darlene was born June 23, 1938 at Kimberley, BC. Darlene moved with family to Fernie, BC where they operated a dairy farm. She graduated high school in Campbell River, BC. She worked at the Royal Bank in Campbell River and also Edmonton, AB. In 1970 she moved to Manitoba where she married Lloyd Speare. Darlene moved between various provinces until 1983. She settled in Swan River, MB. In 1992 she married Bruce Hogg and they retired to BC, finally settling on Salt Spring Island, BC.
Darlene had many talents. They included gardening, sewing, baking, playing the piano, reading and singing. Mom loved her gardens. She always planted them large enough to share in the bounty that they produced. The more she could grow, the better she liked it. However, slugs & weeds beware. She was always ready to share her harvest with others that were not as fortunate. Mom always found peace & tranquility in the beauty of her gardens, be it vegetable or floral. Sewing for mom was practical & artistic. She made clothes for the family until her girls could sew on their own. Later on she made apparel for anyone who needed them. Her latest endeavour was to clothe new babes in developing countries even though by this time she could not feel with her hands and sewing caused her pain.
Mom always considered herself inartistic, however, her artistic abilities came through with the many wall quilts that she created. Back in the day mom was a phenomenal baker. She taught many women throughout the years. Her breads ranged from the simple biscuit to the most difficult sweet breads. Mom played the piano & sang because this gave her great pleasure. Mom was sure that baler twine & rebar could fix almost anything. In the last several years Mom collected Nativities. She was known for her diverse collection which now totals over 120 different pieces.
Darlene was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She had many callings within the several branches that they attended. Mom was always striving to get her family history completed. Mom was always the champion of the underdog & was forever taking in strays, be it people or animals. Mom was loved by many. She will be remembered fondly for her welcoming generosity & spirit.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Darlene’s favorite charity, SPCA.
A celebration of Darlene’s life will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 221 Vesuvius Bay Rd., Salt Spring Island, BC at 2pm, December 12, 2008. Internment to be held at a later date in the Lyleton Cemetary, Lyleton, Manitoba. Honourary Pall Bearers are all her friends.
Thank you to Dr. Malherbe, nursing staff and others of the health care team
that took such good care of my wife during her lengthy illness.