September 3, 1930 - October 21, 2024 (Age 94)
Monica was one of the few women in her time to study architecture. She graduated from the University of Manitoba in 1954. At first she worked in Calgary City Planning and then she got a job in Nelson, BC where her friend, the dynamic artist Roy Kiyooka, visited her and they married April 9, 1955. They had 3 daughters and lived all over the country where Roy’s career teaching at Universities took them. Monica also worked in architects’ offices and for a civil engineer. Monica designed a house in North Vancouver on Riverside Drive, which won a National award. She divorced Roy in 1972 and got a job in 1974 with BC Hydro architecture department until she took an early retirement in 1987. Donald Robb moved in with her in 1973. They had fun dancing at the Hot Jazz Club. He wore a purple velvet suit and was a social activist-unafraid to speak out against injustices. They married in 1988 and she designed a house in Wilson Creek where they moved to be grandparents. Finally they moved to Sechelt, from there they travelled all over the world on cruises, or guided tours with family and friends. She took up painting, volunteered for the Arts Centre and for the NDP. Don passed away in 2015, and in 2019 Monica moved into Totem care home until January 2024 when the residents were moved to Silverstone. Special thanks to the wonderful care providers at Totem and later Silverstone. Please come to Monica’s Celebration of Life held at Davis Bay Hall January 4th, 1 pm-3 pm Monica is survived by 3 daughters, 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
