Virginia "Gaye" Trombley

December 9, 1948
November 9, 2021

Celebration Details

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It is with great sorrow that we share the loss of Virginia Gaye Trombley after a brief illness.

Predeceased by her parents Verna and D’Arcy Trombley. Beloved sister of Sherwood Trombley and his wife Rosemary, the late Jane Trombley and her husband Allan Harrison, and the late Pam LaForge and her husband David. Cherished by her many nieces and nephews.  

Gaye was a joyful, free-spirited and determined woman, a world traveller and lifelong learner. Graduate of University of Toronto. Founder of The Avalon Group (HR Consulting Firm). Dedicated leader of Avalon Orchards, a local organic orchard that has brought happiness and nourishment to countless visitors for over 30 years.

Avalon Orchards grew out of Gaye's passion for creating an opportunity for each guest to feel the joy and wonder of a walk through the trees, the twist of a piece of fruit in the hand, the experience of biting into a perfectly imperfect apple. Gaye's loved ones could be found in the store, in the barn pressing cider, in the fields and on the trails throughout the seasons.  Gaye was so proud of what the team, past and present, accomplished each season.  The success of the orchard has been a multi-generational effort that has involved a lot of people and it is with deepest respect and gratitude that we honour the many hands who've played a part in making Gaye's vision a reality.

In the Spring, Gaye often invited artists to connect with and capture the transformation of buds to blossoms, the promise of the harvest to come. Gaye welcomed group tours and facilitated experiential learning at harvest time. She delighted in hosting school tours and teaching children that food doesn't come from a store; it comes from Mother Earth, and it's our responsibility to care for her.  Each Grounders Day, she held space for local Violence Against Women organizations to be situated front-and-centre to raise awareness and funds, which speaks to her fearless quest to empower women and demonstrate her commitment to giving back to community.

We know Gaye will be deeply missed by so many loved ones and community members, and that her legacy will live on in every person who walked with her. Gaye's wishes were for there to be no public memorial or funeral service, however there will be a celebration of life at Avalon Orchards in the spring when the trees blossom again.  We honour Gaye's wishes and encourage you to find small, creative and meaningful ways to celebrate and reflect on your connection to Gaye.

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