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DEWDNEY, Agnes Mary

February 27, 1928 – April 4, 2010


Agnes (Ness) died peacefully at the Views at St Joseph’s long-term care facility on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010. She was predeceased, in October 2010, by her beloved husband of 43 years Michael Francis Dewdney. Born in Dundee Scotland, Ness spent most of her childhood in Scotland and enjoyed the love and attention of her older sister Olive.

In 1947 Ness followed her sister Olive to Winnipeg and began her career at Trans Canada Airlines (TCA now Air Canada). In 1949 Ness moved to Montreal to take a job in TCA’s corporate headquarters and worked for TCA/AC until her retirement

It was in Montreal during the Fall of 1955 that Ness met the love of her life Michael Francis Dewdney. The romance blossomed quickly and Ness and Michael were married on September 21, 1957. They had a mutual passion for choral singing and sang together at both St John the Evangelist and with other prominent choral groups throughout their time in Montreal. They brought this passion, undiminished, with them to Comox where they sang both in the choir at St John the Divine and the North Island Choral Society.

During their years in Montreal Ness and Michael enjoyed traveling in Great Britain and Europe sometimes using Ness’s TCA/AC flight allowance to fly to London or Paris for a recital or play. Their favourite destination, however, was Ness’s native Scotland which led to another of their great passions, Scottish music and highland dancing. In the mid-70’s they joined the Royal Scottish Dance Society and enjoyed dancing together for many years. In later years Ness engaged in her passion for gardening, winning many prizes with the St Lambert Horticultural Society.

In 1991, having both retired from their jobs in Montreal, Ness and Michael embarked on their next major adventure together. Visiting British Columbia several years earlier they had both been enchanted with the West Coast, particularly Vancouver Island. They chose Comox as the ideal place to live an active retirement. They quickly settled into the community with much of their time spent with both the St John the Divine choir and the North Island Choral Society. Ness was particularly committed to her singing and one of her close friends noted that Ness was one of the few choir members who “always did her practice.” They continued to travel and Ness was active with the local Pionairs (the TCA/AC retirees’ association) and continued her interest in gardening by joining the North Island Rhododendron Society.

After Michael’s passing in 2000 Ness continued her involvement with both choirs but it was clear to all who knew and loved her that she greatly missed “her Michael.” Ness rejoined Michael at about 10:58 AM, Easter Sunday 2010. Her close friend Gail and ‘Views’ nurse Julia were at her bedside.

Ness was dearly loved and will be sadly missed by her sister Olive, nephew Christopher (Linda), nieces Angela (Dave), Else (Michael), Beth and all their families as well as by Ness’s adopted Comox family, the Mercredi’s (Bryce, Gail, Sheri-Anne, Melody and Aaron). As well she leaves many close friends both in the Comox Valley and Montreal. Ness was pre-deceased by her brother-in-law John and nephew-in-law Dave. The entire family wishes to thank the staff at “The Views at St Joseph’s Hospital” in Comox for the loving care they provided Ness in her last few years.

A private cremation has been arranged through Comox Valley Funeral Home. A celebration of Ness’ life will take place this summer with arrangements to be announced. In lieu of flowers the family would encourage donations to the Views at St Joseph’s in Ness’s memory (The Views at Joseph’s Hospital, 2137 Comox Avenue, Comox BC, V9M 1P2, ph 250-339-1426) or to the charity of your choice.


A Service of Remembrance for Mrs. Ness Dewdney will take place on Saturday, July 17th at 1:00pm from The Church of St. John The Divine, Courtenay, with Father George Daley officiating. All friends are welcome to attend.



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