BEATRICE ELLEN MONTGOMERY (NORQUAY)

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BEATRICE ELLEN MONTGOMERY (NORQUAY) After a long and fulfilling life of 94 years, our family matriarch is gone. Bea died peacefully in Victoria, BC, on February 10, 2018, surrounded by family. Bea was born on February 7, 1924, in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. She is survived and deeply loved and missed by sons Patrick (Jo-Anne) and David, daughter Carolyn (Eric), beloved grandchildren Jake, Liza, Pat and Shannon, and great-grandchildren Keaton, Kenley, Kassidy, Cormac and Thora Bea. She was predeceased by dear husband Pat, and cherished son Craig. Bea was very proud of her Scottish Selkirk Settler heritage in Manitoba. She was the granddaughter of John Norquay, the first Canadian born Premier of that province. She was a member of the Selkirk Settlers Manitoba Historical Society for many years. Bea graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Winnipeg General Hospital in 1946 and married the boy next door shortly thereafter. The couple raised their children in Selkirk and Winnipeg and Meaford, Ontario. They were faithful and active members of the local Anglican Church wherever they lived. After Pat's death in 1983, Bea returned to Winnipeg to be closer to her children and grandchildren. She attended and served faithfully for the next 25 years at St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church. She was active in many aspects of church life: the Bible studies group, helping to prepare for Easter and Christmas services, painting walls in the church well into her 80s(!), to name a few. Bea's life of service extended beyond her religious life. She was enriched by membership with PEO Chapters N and G for over 70 years. Many lifelong friendships were formed while serving with the Sisterhood during this time. She was awarded the Premier's Volunteer Service Award for Outstanding Merit in 1999. In 2001, the Vital Seniors Club (where she had served as President) bestowed her with its first lifetime membership certificate, based on her "loyalty and sincerity" in assisting seniors in need. She never spoke of her many contributions, believing in just getting things done in her own quiet and humble way and always with a sprinkle of humour. After her children were older, Bea worked as a nurse in Winnipeg and Meaford. She enjoyed her profession, and patients often commented on her caring and devoted manner. We were blessed to have Bea as a loving mom and grandmother. With her keen intelligence and sensitivity, she guided us all through life, teaching us the importance of family, love, service and the value of hard work to achieve our goals. How we will miss her. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba or St. Mary Magdalene Anglican Church in Winnipeg. A memorial service will be held in Winnipeg in the summer, announcement to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 17, 2018