February 4, 1933 - April 19, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
It is with a profound sense of loss, that we announce the peaceful passing of Dorothy Elaine (Alder) Schon on Friday April 19, 2024.
She is mourned by a community of family and friends; her three children Alan (Lauria) Schon, Diane (Masten Brolsma) Schon, Ian Schon, (Twyla), grandchildren Tyler (Laura), Richelle (Dan), Hunter, Victoria (Milo), Spencer, Tegan and Althea and her great grand-children Diesel, Rockson, Timber, Vayla and Clara.
In shared grief are brother-in-law Eddie Chase and sister-in-law Carol Schon; special cousin Mary Bowman, special niece Shelley Chase, dear friend Jill Schrauwen, Mary Douglas and Aki Hasebe, their families as well as the families of New Brunswick, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia including her much loved nieces and nephews.
Elaine was predeceased by her loving husband Donald Orville Schon in 1982, but stoically continued to build the life they imagined together, and in his memory, for the next forty-two years. She led the family through the losses of her mother, Ella Florence (Noseworthy) Alder, father, Frank Charles Percy Alder, brother Rod and his wife Joan Alder and sister Carolyn; selfless in her service to family and their needs.
Born and raised in the community of West Vancouver, Elaine, continued post-secondary education at the University of British Columbia, becoming a teacher and meeting her beloved Donny in the University Outdoor Club. Together they were one of the first families to build at Pipers Lagoon in 1962, involved in protecting the park for generations to come. The cherished lagoon would serve as the backdrop for countless family events, seaside recreation and her exquisite gardens.
She was a brilliant mind and businesswoman for Schon Timber working beside her husband, a pioneer in the vibrant logging industry of Vancouver Island. Mathematics and Elaine were inseparable. Elaine's love of animals and the natural world made her an outdoor enthusiast from an early age. She hiked, swam, gardened and enjoyed equestrian activities, with deep skill and obvious joy.
She delighted in classical music, art and theatre but she was most often found as a guiding hand in the cultivation of a great family and hosting legendary gatherings and celebrations. She preferred to be behind the scenes, but her family is forever in her debt to the magic she created at every turn. She volunteered for mental health, diabetes, cancer and other service organizations quietly and often for decades.
Though petite in stature she towered over challenges that dissolved to her will. She was indeed all things to all people in a way that remains a great mystery. Her loving acts are still moving us forward as she would wish, without fuss but with love, patience and kindness. She believed in equality, second chances and love and she was loved beyond measure.
In keeping with Elaines's wishes, a funeral service will take place 11:00 am Friday April 26, at Sands Funeral Home, 1 Newcastle Ave, Nanaimo, BC. Directly following the service there will be a reception, with family and friends welcome.
If so desired, donations in memory of Mrs. Elaine Schon may be made to a service organization of your choosing.
Service Details
11:00 AM