Lis Iyer

“Lis passed away at Rest Haven Lodge in Sidney, BC on June 24th, 2021, with family at her side after a lengthy battle with Dementia”

Lis is mourned and forever lovingly remembered by her three sons Nils (Diana), Morten (Lea) & Steven (Kimmie). Also fondly remembered by her grandchildren, Martin, Matthew, Lucas, Amelia, Elias Erik & William, her big sister Inge, Niece Debbie, Nephew Lars in California and childhood friends Connie (Sjang) in Denmark, as well as extended family and friends here and overseas.

Born in picturesque Nykøping, Falster, Denmark to Kaj and Eva Barchager, she loved being in nature, near the ocean, animals and particularly her poodle Susie. Her creative talents were noted early in childhood. She also met her best friend Connie who was in practicum in Eva’s hair salon in Vordingborg during her youth.

Lis followed her older sister Inge who had permanently moved to California and worked as an Au Pair there during two separate long-term visits. She married her first husband Knud Bisgaard in Solvang California in 1967 before they travelled across the USA along the old route 66 to Chicago and onto New York where they flew back to Denmark to start a family.

By 74 she was divorced and used her creative business talents and sense of adventure to open two shoe stores, which was an impressive accomplishment for a single mother of two.

By 1980 Lis had met Jai Iyer and remarried. She moved to Canada (Delta BC) to join Jai along with Nils and Morten; not long afterwards Steven came into the world. By 1987 her business interests surfaced again, and she opened a shoe and clothing store on West 10th Avenue in Vancouver called Lisa B Shoes.

By 1994 Lis and Jai moved to Qualicum Beach. She created a beautiful addition to her old character house in Qualicum Beach that she named “Old Country Cottage.” It had English gardens and many antiques that brought her much joy. She was proud to share her home with friends and family.

She had an Antique Store in Parksville for 7 years. Old Country Cottage Antiques. She also made and sold wreaths, wicker chairs and other creative items during this time.

Lis' hobbies always included gardening and she maintained beautiful English flower gardens and she participated in the Qualicum Beach summer garden tour. Her home was filled with her paintings, and she won some local art awards for her work as well. She was an amazing cook and knew how to bring out the Danish “Hygge” in her home.

Lis’ legacy lives on in her children and grandchildren by instilling an appreciation of charming and quaint things.

Mom was a member of the Danish Lutheran Church all her life and a Funeral Service was held for her August 14th at the Danish Lutheran Church in Burnaby, BC with family joining virtually from Denmark and California to celebrate her life.

As per her wishes her remains were brought back to Vordingborg Denmark for burial and on September 17th they were laid to rest with her parents. Family & friends held a luncheon in her honor following her interment.

Rest in Christ’s love Lis. “Come to me…I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28) We miss you more than our words could express.