Born July 27, 1925, it was just 3 days short of her 90th birthday when Dr. Tess Trueman - FRCSC passed away peacefully at the Comox Valley Seniors Village, in Courtenay, B.C. Tess’ life was guided by her sense of duty, her curiosity, loyalty and dedication to all her endeavours.
Born in Red Deer, Alberta, the youngest of 5 children, Tess joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corps after her high school graduation.
At the end of WW II, she was discharged from the CWAC with the rank of Captain and enrolled in the University of Alberta in Edmonton. In 1953 she graduated with her M.D.
Several years later, after post-graduation studies and residencies in Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal, she was a qualified obstetrician and gynecologist. Tess was one of the first female OB/GYN specialists in Southern Alberta. She had a private practice, taught at the medical school in Calgary, and treated patients at Foothills Hospital.
By the mid-1970s, it was time for Tess to slow down a little, and she semi-retired to the Comox Valley. She lived on Denman Island, and was instrumental in creating the Seniors Centre on Denman Island which is named after her. In her semi-retirement, Tess became a land developer on Denman Island, and several of her Alberta colleagues acquired vacation homesites from Tess.
Tess thought that the drier climate of the B.C. Interior would be more conducive to pursuing her love of golf and tennis, but a few years of Shuswap Lake winters were enough, and Tess returned to the Comox Valley.
Tess leaves behind her companion of 35 years, Ann Watson, and many nieces, nephews and friends. Tess and Ann travelled on vacations for many years – to the Maritimes, Barbados, Texas, Arizona and anywhere else with clear skies, warm weather and tennis courts.
Tess’ family and friends wish to express their thanks to Perlita Dacurin, and to all of Tess’ care staff while she was at home, to Dr. Janet Green for her compassionate care and to the sensitive and caring staff at the Senior’s Village.
At Tess’ request, no service or flowers. If you wish, a donation may be made in Tess’ name to the Comox Valley Community Foundation, (cvcfoundation.org), 467 Cumberland Road, Courtenay, B.C., V9N 2C5, or to the charity of your choice.