July 14, 2023
Bev/Mom passed away in the early evening of July 14, 2023 with her daughter, Kelly, and her son-in-law, Greg, by her side.
Predeceased by her beloved husband Leo, she will be deeply missed by John (Kathy) Jane (Dave), Tim, Terry (Cindy), Kelly (Greg), Wayne (Rebecca), Fraser (Nancy), her 17 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, her many nieces and nephews, sister-in-law, Alma Pastorek, and dear friend, Brenda Paul.
Mom was born in Edmonton Alberta in 1933. She began school in a one room schoolhouse in the small town of Wetaskiwin Alberta walking the two miles to school every day with her brother. After a brief move to Ontario, the family eventually settled in New Westminster where Mom finished elementary and high school and headed to Riverview (formerly Essondale) for nurse’s training. She worked for years at Valleyview Hospital meeting the needs of her patients with kindness, humour and understanding.
After retiring, Mom enjoyed travelling with Dad in their fifth-wheeler, most often to their favourite destination of Alleyne Lake.
Retirement didn’t mean slowing down at home though. She continued canning (including the best dill pickles and yum yums); scrubbing the siding on the house with a brush (never a power washer); being the grandkids most ardent fan at soccer, baseball and hockey games; hosting family dinners on Christmas eve; cross stitching bears, bunnies and birthdate patterns for the babies; and knitting sweaters and blankets.
She always had a fresh stash of cookies for visitors (and birthdays) and was generous with her famous fried chicken. Almost everything she did revolved around family. She was so accepting and loving to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. We adored her.
This is what we will always remember: she was loving, determined, independent, and resilient. She had a quick mind and amazing memory and more energy than some people half her age (still working with her flower beds one week before she passed away).
She was an avid reader and lifelong learner, texting regularly with family members (always adding emojis). She had a great smile and loved to laugh. She was truly young at heart and embraced life right up until the end. Forever in our hearts.
A family gathering will be held at a later date.
Obituary-