Gerry was born in Edmonton, Alberta on March 31, 1934. She moved to Victoria as a child, where she attended George Jay School, North Park School and Victoria High School,
graduating in 1952. She was an outstanding athlete and excelled in Baseball, Basketball, Tennis and running Track.
Gerry attended Victoria Normal School in 1953 and qualified as a teacher. Her first teaching position was in New Denver, B.C.
Later moving to Rossland, B.C. she taught Primary grades at McLean School and then Cook Avenue School, where she stayed until
her retirement in 1993. Gerry taught 3 generations of kids in Rossland to read! Along the way, she earned her Bachelor's of Education from UBC in 1984. Later in her career, she specialized in Learning Assistance.
Gerry met Bob Howell, the love of her life, in Rossland and they married in 1956. Settling in Trail, they raised their two children Janet and Larry. While teaching full-time, Gerry also enjoyed swimming in Christina Lake and skiing at Red Mountain. She was an avid Quilter, and also enjoyed Reading and playing Bridge. She will be missed by her Book and Bridge Clubs both in Trail and Victoria. An avid traveller, Gerry took advantage of school holidays to travel the world. She especially enjoyed China, Britain, Hawaii, and Spain. Later in Life, she enjoyed cruising the Caribbean, Panama Canal and the east and west coasts of North and South America. When Bob passed away in 2005, Gerry moved back to Victoria to be closer to family.
Gerry was predeceased by her husband Bob Howell, and by her sisters Bev Cooper (Koski), Barbara Wall and Toni Travis. Survived by her children Janet Vanyo and Larry Howell, and beloved grandsons Alex Vanyo, Nolan Howell and Brandon Howell. Her family was everything to her!
A Memorial will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Royal Oak Burial Park 4673 Falaise Rd., Victoria, immediately followed by a reception at the Fireside Grill (Gerry's favorite restaurant) 4509 West Saanich Rd., Victoria. Online condolences may be made at: jvanyo@shaw.ca
Service Details
Celebration of Life
Friday, March 31, 2023
1:00 PM
1:00 PM
Royal Oak Burial Park 4673 Falaise Rd., Victoria