BEATRICE CONSTANCE BROOKS

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BEATRICE CONSTANCE BROOKS (nee McDONALD) Beatrice Constance Brooks (nee McDonald), 89 years, of Winnipeg, MB and Calgary, AB, passed peacefully and with love at her side, into her Lord's waiting embrace on May 2, 2016. Beatrice was born in Port Arthur, ON, on November 7, 1926 into a large boisterous clan. These early days spent with her close knit family would sow the seeds of Bea's lasting legacy as the respected and adored matriarch of her own extensive offspring. Bea's greatest heartache in this life was that she was predeceased by her husband Bill Brooks; her precious daughters, Susan, Carol; son and daughter-in-law, Ralph and Deborah, and six of her own siblings. There is comfort knowing that Bea's heart is fully in tact, as she is now surrounded by those she prematurely lost. Bea leaves behind a large family full of love, including her children, Joan (Gord), Brian (Barbara), Diane and Robert. They gave her 15 grandchildren and their partners, 22 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Her sisters, Maude (Roger), Dorothy (Al) and Florence (Bob) remain to share many stories of Grandma Bea. Bea's life tells of a strong spirit who demonstrated to all how a quiet determination can triumph over any of life's challenges. Bea was a widow by the time she was 28 and left to raise six young children. Bea made a conscious choice to dedicate her life to the raising of her children. She became a single mother with a career, in an age where modern conveniences of daycare and fast food were unknown. Bea cooked meals for her family from scratch and mended their clothes by hand; the child rearing years were not easy. Bea didn't waste energy on dwelling, if life was hard she just got on with things and she passed this common sense approach onto her children. Bea took great pride in her family and celebrated in all their varied successes joyfully. Though her family became dispersed geographically, Bea has made lasting memories with all her grandchildren. Blessed with an easy laugh, many a grandchild has been surprised by her quick-witted retorts and funny observations. Bea had a long successful career with the Bank of Nova Scotia. Due to her strong work ethic, she endeared the respect and comradery of her co-workers. Bea enjoyed many long term friendships from her work, neighbourhood and church communities. A real talent shone in the meals she has prepared over the years for her family and her recipes will be passed on for generations. No one can perfect her pies because even the crust was infused with the very essence of Grandma Bea, attention to detail, mixed with loving dedication. Bea travelled with family and friends on many trips over the years and would never tire of looking at the pictures from her adventures. Quiet pursuits were her own enjoyment such as reading, puzzles, card games and becoming an accomplished knitter. The greatest lesson that Bea's life leaves us is that contentment is a journey filled with simple things and happiness is a choice worth making. A private family memorial will be held in celebration of Bea's life in Winnipeg at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 14, 2016