Miriam Isobel Heffernan

Miriam Isobel Heffernan passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 12, 2016 at the age of 92. Born in Ottawa in 1923 to loving parents, Miriam and Arthur Mantle, she was the only girl in a family of five children. According to her brothers, Isobel was a bit of a tomboy and was an excellent hockey player and skater. In 1939, when Isobel was 15, her family moved to Vancouver. The next year she graduated from Burnaby High School and in 1941 completed secretarial school and was working in a lawyer's office when she met Lewis Heffernan, a Vancouver native who had enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. They were married in 1942. Their first son, John, was born in Vancouver in 1944. Immediately after the war, Lew enrolled in pre-med at UBC and then moved his family to Montreal so that he could complete his medical degree at McGill University. They lived in residence there, and a second son, Daniel, was born in Montreal. Upon graduation, the family moved to Victoria, where their daughter, Susan, was born. Isobel and Lew had an active life in Victoria, where they were both avid golfers and belonged to Uplands and the Royal Colwood Golf Clubs. They enjoyed bridge, travelling, dancing and entertaining their many friends. Isobel loved to cook and bake (her roasts, cakes and pies were legendary) and she had a green thumb. She and Lew had a busy social life, were members of Kiwanis and volunteered their time for the Salvation Army. After retirement, they divided their time between Sun Lakes, Arizona and Saltspring Island, where they also enjoyed golf, bridge and entertaining. Isobel was a kind and gentle person with a very positive outlook on life. She was always cheerful, good natured and considerate and will be greatly missed. Isobel is survived by two brothers, William (Dorothy) and Frank, as well as her son, Daniel (Carol) and daughter, Susan (Beau). She also has four grandchildren, Christopher (Diane), Megan (Drew), Matthew and Clayton John as well as numerous cousins and nephews and nieces. Isobel was predeceased by her son John in 2009 and her husband Dr. James Lewis Heffernan in 2011. The family would like to thank everyone at Brentwood House for their kind and considerate care during the last year of Isobel's life. Condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.earthsoption.com. No service by request.

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