Maureen Geddes

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our Mum, Maureen Geddes, aged 78, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Maureen was born in Glasgow Scotland, the 2nd child to parents John and Eve Lewis. She moved to London England at the start of World War II, 1945.

Maureen worked in the printing industry and joined Alcraft/Ronalds in 1973 working as a sales co-ordinator/sales person. In 1987 she moved to Nova Corp. as a proof reader/copyeditor. She retired from Nova Corp. in 1996 and opened her own Company, Redpen Copyediting Ltd.  There her knowledge of the English language, in which she excelled, was put to good use building a successful company.  She retired completely in 2008 allowing more time for crosswords, dogs and her close family and friends.

Maureen married Ian Geddes in 1960 and emigrated to Canada with three daughters in 1967.  She parted ways with Ian in 1972 and met her partner, the late Dave Crowhurst, in 1977. Maureen and Dave spent 11 wonderful years together until his untimely death in 1988.

Following assessments and diagnosis of Maureen’s illness in November, her health declined at an alarming pace.  Fortunately, with the loving care of her 3 daughters in the final days, it was possible to respect her wish and have her remain at home.  Maureen enjoyed visits from all four of her grandchildren which lifted her morale.  Her brother David was relieved to arrive from the UK in time to spend a couple of days exchanging reminiscences and fond farewells with his beloved elder sister.  Adored Yorkshire Terrier Spencer stayed close to her mum at all times and will now move to join her friend Winston at Julie’s house.

It was of some comfort that when Maureen passed away, she was surrounded by all of her immediate family and in her own bedroom.  Maureen was amazingly strong and dignified, sustained by a firm belief that she was going to rejoin her elder brother, parents and Dave Crowhurst.  She will be missed by all of us more than she could ever have imagined, but her values and standards will endure with us forever.

Maureen is survived by her three daughters, Carole Andrews, Julie Geddes and Jackie Stevens (Grant); and by younger brother, David Lewis (Anne).  She is also survived by four grandchildren, Jordan Watt (Christa), Brandon Watt (Alyssa), Brett Stevens (Ashley) and Bryce Stevens; as well as six great grandchildren, Leland, Chelsea, Brayden, Isabella, Aaliyah and Evan; and many nieces and nephews in England and Australia.  Maureen’s much-loved elder brother, John Brian Lewis predeceased her by 11 years.

As per Maureen`s request there will be no funeral, details of a Celebration of Life will be announced shortly.