January 21, 1950 - December 31, 2024
In Loving Memory ~
It is with deep sadness that we announce that Lauretta Howard-Dyer passed away peacefully at home on December 31, 2024 at the age of 74. Lauretta Yvonne Howard was born January 21, 1950 in Vancouver, BC to Claude Howard and Iva Howard (nee Baldry).
At the age of 4, she moved with her family to the Oyster Bay area south of Campbell River, BC. She attended school in Campbell River, learned to swim in the ocean, discovered a life-long love for reading, and helped her parents operate a family restaurant.
After high school, Lauretta moved back to Vancouver to attend the University of British Columbia where she met the love of her life, Raymond Dyer. In 1971, they moved to Nelson, BC to be closer to Raymond's family and to complete their undergraduate studies at the Notre Dame University of Nelson.
From there, they headed east to London, Ontario to attend grad school at the University of Western Ontario. Lauretta and Raymond were married in Ontario in 1975, and Lauretta completed a Master of Arts in English in 1976.
Lauretta and Raymond moved back to BC, spending time in Victoria where she studied at the University of Victoria to become a teacher, and eventually settling in Port Alberni. Lauretta enjoyed a rewarding 36-year career as a teacher in Port Alberni, the bulk of which was spent at Eric J. Dunn Junior High School where she taught English and French from 1980 to her retirement in 2012. Teaching was her passion; she loved her school, and she inspired generations of Port Alberni families as well as many colleagues that became life-long friends.
Lauretta's sons were born in 1985 (Alexander) and 1989 (Nicholas). She was a devoted and loving mother to her boys who have many cherished memories of spending spring and summer holidays with mom.
Family vacations were spent traveling along the BC, Washington, and Oregon coasts, trips to California and Florida, visiting with the Calgary family, or simply playing in the garden on their property in the Alberni Valley.
In retirement, Lauretta devoted more time to tending to her beautiful gardens, golfing with the ladies, and many trips with Raymond to Cuba and Europe. She was involved with the Mount Klitsa Garden Club, played clarinet in the Alberni Valley Community Band, and enjoyed spending as much time as possible with her family and friends sharing a laugh and a story. She loved good movies, gardening, birdwatching, golf, the Saturday Sun, her Blue Jays and Lions, and the many adored dogs and cats that she cared for over the years.
Lauretta is predeceased by her parents, Claude and Iva, and brother, Bill. She is dearly missed by her husband of 49 years, Raymond, her sons Alexander (Jelena) and Nicholas (Sanni), and many beloved family and friends.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at West Coast General Hospital, and Dr. Woodley, the nurses, and staff from Community Health Services for their kind and compassionate care.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 8th at 1:00pm at the Chapel of Memories in Port Alberni, followed by a reception at the Italian Hall on 6th Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Lauretta's honour to the BC SPCA.
Service Details
1:00 PM