July 5, 1933 - September 30, 2021
With much sadness we announce that Jo (Elaine) Hambley (nee Chantler) passed on September 30, 2021 at the age of 88. She was born in VaughanTWP, Ontario on July 5, 1933. Her husband Bryan Hambley passed 10 days later on October 10, 2021.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Nancy, John (Diana), Lisa (Robert) and cherished granddaughter, Lindsey. She is survived by her eldest sister Jean Wilcox, brother-in-law Jack Clemmens, and sister-in-law Marion Campbell all of Ontario, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by: sisters Joyce, Betty Meger and Ruth Clemmens; brothers-in-law: Phil Campbell, Bruce Hambley, Ches Wilcox, and Paul Meger as well as sister-in-law: Lil Hambley.
Mom was raised in Barrie, Ontario. She trained at Toronto East General and graduated with her RN in June of 1957. Prior to this, she had worked as a bank teller at Camp Borden, Ontario and it was here that she met Bryan who was training with the Royal Canadian Air Force. They married on December 14, 1957 a snowy winter day in Barrie, Ontario. They briefly lived in Toronto, Winnipeg, and Edmonton before moving to Abbotsford in 1961. Abbotsford became their home where they raised their family and together managed successful poultry businesses: J. J. Hambley Hatcheries Ltd and Maplewood Poultry. Dad's strong finance education/acumen and Mom's natural business/finance talent was a great partnership. She was a member of Trinity Memorial United Church and enjoyed the activities of the UCW ladies. Once the nest was empty Mom enjoyed employment at Bretton's managing the store's finance; a job perfectly suited to her talents. In Abbotsford she volunteered as treasurer for several community groups and later did the same at their home at Stratford Gardens.
In 1993 Mom was diagnosed with bronchiectasis which changed her life. She and Dad moved to West Vancouver and then to White Rock in search of healthier air quality-moves that without doubt, prolonged her life.
During her life she loved to: read, walk the West Van seawall, attend the Abbotsford Bridge group, visit Maui/travel, attend the Vancouver Symphony, dine out, shop with her sisters, cheer for the Canucks and she held an unwavering devotion to the Montreal Canadiens. She was immensely happy to become a grandmother, known as 'Grandy'.
Our Mom had a lovely sense of fun, exquisite style, loved natural fabrics and white (flowers, clothes) and often used the words 'domahicki' and 'whatsamigoochie'. She enjoyed a glass of Dubonnet, raspberries, clam chowder, macaroons, mince tarts and always made room for shortbread.
She was petite in stature, but her independence, intelligence, kindness and strength left a large impression on all.
Mom, we miss you greatly and bid you a loving adieu.
Mom will rest in Maui and Memorial donations may be made to Toronto Sick Kids Hospital at www.sickkidsfoundation.com