Renée Sylvie Calam
1927 – 2017
Renée died after a short illness in Comox, British Columbia on January 15, 2017 at the age of 89. She is survived by her beloved husband John, her daughters Marie-Françoise (George), Betty (Roger) and Rachelle (Neftali); nieces Pat and Sarah, nephew John, grandsons Gregory (Dalal), Stefan, and Nicholas (Jayme); and great granddaughter Isla.
Born on July 5, 1927 in Eeklo, Belgium, Renée was the only child of Rachel Duvieusart and Sadi Stradiot. After studying business and health sciences in Switzerland and Belgium, Renée moved to Canada in 1953 to marry her childhood friend and long time suitor John. Thereafter she embarked on a remarkable adventure of homesteading, raising her three daughters and flourishing in communities as diverse as Forest Grove, Lac La Hache, Telkwa, Kitimat, Montréal, New York City and Vancouver. She was an avid gardener, pianist and editor, and her thirst for knowledge led her back to university where she certified as a French-English translator at the University of British Columbia, worked in the French Department, and volunteered her time at the Botanical Gardens. Her energy and persistence throughout her life earned her the nickname of “Moustique.” Renée and John retired to Saltspring Island BC, and after many happy years there, moved to Courtenay BC in 2016.
Renée will be deeply missed and her memory cherished by her family and friends. She requested no funeral service.
Our heartfelt thanks go to her wonderful caregivers on Saltspring and in Courtenay, and to the doctors and nurses and hospice volunteers who provided such compassionate care for Renée in her final days at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Comox, BC.
Condolences can be sent to John Calam, 101 – 4640 Headquarters Road, Courtenay BC, V9N 7J3, Canada.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or to a charity of your preference.