Davalyn Spence
November 26, 2022
Davalyn Spence (née Quayle) died on Saturday, November 26, 2022, surrounded by family.
Dava was raised in Woodstock, Ontario in a historical home, lovingly restored by her parents, that backed on to the Thames River. A portion of her family’s unique property, known as “The Canyon,” was the site of countless childhood adventures shared with numerous friends, including her best friend of 63 years, Kim McLaren (née McKinney). Dava remained forever grateful for Kim, “the little girl who wandered down the laneway.” Her childhood home was always filled with a variety of pets, establishing a lifelong love of animals.
Dava married her highschool sweetheart, Peter Spence, and they celebrated 44 years of marriage earlier this year; they were partners in every sense of the word. She loved being a mother to Adam and Danie, and devoted much of her life to nurturing and supporting them. Becoming “Dede” to her granddaughter, Catherine, was one of the greatest joys in her senior years and she cherished their time together.
Dava was also blessed with numerous close friendships throughout her lifetime – many of whom became like family. She always looked forward to parties and social gatherings, especially if costumes or themes were involved! The consummate hostess, many will fondly remember her mannequins who often greeted guests at her parties. She was loved by many and will be profoundly missed.
There will be a private family service.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Dava are asked to consider the Ronald McDonald House Charities Southwestern Ontario or the Humane Society London & Middlesex.
Leave a tribute for Davalyn Spence
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Peter, I am terribly sorry for your loss. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.
A donation has been made. Message from the donator: So sorry to hear of Dava’s passing. She was such a wonderful friend to our friend, Kim McLaren.
Dear Peter, Adam and Danie, my deepest sympathies. I have so many fond memories of happier times our family's had in past years.
Very sad to hear. We look back fondly on the times we had with Davalyn & Peter and her funny sense of humor. Safe journey Davalyn. xoxo Kirk & JoAnne
Dear Peter, Adam and Danie, Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Thirty-five years ago we were briefly neighbours in Sherwood Forest living on the same street. At that time my son Ryan and Danie were about the same age and Ryan would often go over to your home to play. I will remember Dava as a little spark - upbeat and energetic - and the last time we bumped into each other in pre-Covid times, she was just the same. Please know that you all are in my thoughts. Regards. Cydna Mercer
Peter - so very sorry for your loss.
Peter, Brad and I are so sorry for your loss. Dava was a remarkable woman and we will remember her fondly. Sending heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Dear Pete and family So sorry for your loss. My heartfelt sympathies to you and your family. May all your wonderful memories of Dava bring you comfort in the coming days.
Dear Peter, Adam and Danie: We were so lucky to spend several years as dear friends as our young families grew up together. Fabulous dinners, fun parties, Christmas and family vacations. Always made so much better by Dava's quick laugh, sparkle in her eye and joy of life. So many cherished memories. Forever in our hearts. Our deepest condolences.
Peter and family, We are very sorry for your loss, our deepest condolences at this difficult time. Graham Porter & Marlene McGrath
Dear Peter, Adam and Danie: My deepest condolences to you at this very sad time. Davalyn will be remembered for being a strong, vibrant, classy lady. There are few people who have such a presence. I was fortunate to have known her. She will be dearly missed.
Pete & Family We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Davalyn. She was a beautiful person - both inside and out. She always had a smile for everyone and a heart of gold. She will be missed deeply. Love Lynn & Al Carne
I am profoundly sad that Dava died. She was a wonderful, giving friend always willing to help. She had a real talent for home decor, art and home furnishings as well as delicious food. A beautiful person inside and out. Blessings to Peter, Danie and Adam
Sending my heartfelt condolences to Peter, Danie & Adam on the loss of Dava. She was such a fireball but at the same time such a genuinely sweet and kind person. A real treasure. She will be remembered with great fondness.
Dabs was such a beautiful person inside and out. I know Mum and Dad will be very upset to hear the news. Dava was so kind to our parents. She will be missed by the Munnoch family. Blessings to the Spence family Paula
Dear Peter and family. My deepest condolences on your loss of Davalyn. Although I crossed paths with Kim McKinney back in the day, somehow never seemed to have met your beautiful wife. That was my loss. My heart goes out to you.
Dear Peter & family: Dava was a very gifted girl who used her talents in many directions. She worked at the office for many years with Norman and they were a great pair running a very busy practice. She was a bright light everywhere she went and to all that she touched she was treasured. She will be missed by many. Deepest condolences. Norman & Margaret
Peter & family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Davalyn. She will be missed by a great number of friends whose lives she touched. Peace & love,
I am shocked and saddened to hear about Dava. I have wonderful memories of our times together, especially the themed dinner parties and trip to Vegas. My deepest condolences to Peter, Danie and Adam.
Dava was an extraordinary lady. I remember how stunning she looked while painting our nursery many years ago. I have always looked up to Dava, and greatly valued her friendship. Such a great loss. My deepest condolences to the Spence family.
We pass through our lives, and if we are lucky, we meet some amazing people along the way. For me, Dava was one of those unforgettable people. I feel privileged to have known her as our daughters grew up together. To Dani, Peter, Adam, and extended family, my heart aches for you.
Our heartfelt condolences to you, Danie, and your family, on the loss of your dear mother. May you find solace in cherished memories. Janet & Omar
From Dava's friends in Woodstock. To Peter and Danny and the rest of the family, our sincere condolences. We have lost a true human being.
Dava was a spunky and bright ball of fun. She worked with my Dad for years and they had great respect for each other. Dad is very saddened by this news. Heartfelt condolences to Peter and family. Dava was a lovely person and will be missed by so many.
Dava has always stood out as an extraordinary woman: a quick wit, an easy laugh, and an effortless beauty that never failed to impress me. Over the years, her charm was without limits. She truly cared about what was happening in my life while being candid about her own -- never did we have a conversation when her beloved children and husband did not come into it. My very deepest sympathies go out to you, her family and friends. She was a rare gem and with her loss, the world has lost a little of its shine.
We’re sorry to hear of your loss, Danielle. Love and strength to you and your family.
Peter, our heartfelt thoughts go out to you and your family at this time of great sorrow. May Davalyn rest in eternal peace.
So long dear friend . You will be dearly missed. I have so many good memories of our time spent together and will never forget. God bless.
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Dava was the best of the best.
~ Linda Ford