Paulette Ann

Cawley

Paulette Ann Cawley 1946 - 2026

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She brought color, music, laughter, and love into the lives of those around her.

Paulette Ann Cawley (née D’Eon) passed away peacefully surrounded by family on October 23, 2026, at Duncan Hospice House. She was born on August 17, 1946, in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and carried her Nova Scotia roots with her throughout her life, always drawn to the ocean that she loved so dearly.

Paulette lived with remarkable zest, finding joy in every moment and sharing that spirit generously with others. She was the life of the party, friendly and openhearted. She loved meeting people. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, especially when she had the chance to use her fluency in French or Spanish. A proud Acadian, she embraced life with warmth, resilience, and unmistakable style, always with her lipstick on. She loved to travel, loved her many close friends, and brought her lively spirit wherever she went. She loved music, dancing, gardening, and languages, and she delighted in taking pictures at family gatherings, earning her place as the family paparazzi.

Her life was shaped by adventure as well as devotion to others. At the age of 11, with her parents and three siblings she moved from Nova Scotia to London, England. She attended boarding schools in London, as well as a year at finishing school in Paris. In the early 1970s she worked as a travel guide in Mallorca, Spain, where she met the love of her life and husband-to-be Tony Cawley. They married in Gibraltar. Paulette became a mother when her daughter Alison came into the world in 1973. In the early 1980s the family relocated to Vancouver, BC. Paulette then began the work that would define so much of her professional life. Paulette was a proud Medical Office Assistant for more than 30 years with Dr. Nancy Crossen, and through that work she made a tremendous impact on the lives of patients.

Of all her roles, the one she cherished most was being an amazing granny. Family was at the center of her heart, and she took great pride in their many accomplishments.

Paulette will be deeply missed by her daughter, Alison Galloway, and by her son-in-law, Steve. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Lucas and Ava, along with fur grandbaby Obi, all of whom brought her enormous happiness. She is survived by her brothers, Geoff D’Eon (Kathy) Halifax NS and Tony D’Eon (Jan) Nanaimo BC, and by the nieces and nephew she adored: Sarah, Paul, Emma, and Alice. She was a proud aunt to each of them and was also a treasured adopted member of the Galloway/Wilson clan, a place she clearly held with love and joy.

Paulette was pre-deceased by beloved husband, Tony; by her parents Dr. Benedict D’Eon and Coral (née Golding); and by her younger sister Angie Crisell (Nick).

In accordance with Paulette’s wishes, cremation has taken place, with ashes to be spread both in BC and Nova Scotia. A tree planting ceremony in the Norcross orchard will take place in the near future to honour her wishes.

Paulette will be remembered for her sparkling personality, her kindness, her resilience, and the way she made people feel welcome wherever she went. She brought color, music, laughter, and love into the lives of those around her. Her family and friends will carry forward the memory of her adventurous spirit, her generous heart, and the joy she found in living fully.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the many doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who provided such compassionate care over the past several years. Special thanks to Dr. Mazgani, Dr. Cohen, Dr. Bacsu, Dr. Masuda and the incredible nurses and staff at the Cowichan Hospice House. Your kindness, dedication, and compassion brought comfort and dignity to her final journey, and we will always be grateful.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Paulette’s memory to Cowichan Hospice House would be gratefully appreciated.