WELCH, Beverley May
December 23, 1930 – December 13, 2013
Born in Ladysmith, the fourth of ten children to Adolphe & Marie (De Frane) Fourmeaux, Mom led a happy life.
Mom attended school in Ladysmith where she enjoyed Miss Transfield’s English classes and playing basketball. Mom joined the work force early and was happy to earn her way at the New Western Hotel, the movie theatre, The Hub, and Cochrane’s before attending a commerce course at St. Mary’s convent. Mom then began a 42 year long career for School District #67 as the board office secretary and later School District #68 as a school secretary, working at Ladysmith Primary, Davis Road, NDSS, and Dufferin Crescent from which she retired in 1996.
Mom had deep empathy for the welfare of others, and with her faith in God remained active in her church, Development and Peace, and donated to many charities. Mom sponsored a child in a developing country and volunteered at the Ladysmith food bank for many years after retiring.
We will remember Mom as a warm, gentle, and compassionate woman with a sunny disposition.
Mom loved to travel; first to Alberta as a young woman, to Disneyland with her children, to Australia & New Zealand with her sister Mary, and to Quebec, the Maritimes, and Alaska with her daughter Erin.
She loved her home and garden, music, and singing in a choir. Family was her greatest love which she worked hard to support. Mom adored her grandchildren.
Some of Mom’s special memories were picking blackberries with her brother Boy at Spinny’s creek, sleigh riding down the hills of Ladysmith, going to dances & the Wheatsheaf with Tony, taking her children to Chemainus River, and the Santa Claus parade which stopped in front of her home. Mom loved a glass of sherry, sweets, and a big mug of tea (2 sugars).
We will always feel honoured to have had her as our Mom and Grandmother; grateful for her devotion, strength of spirit, and strong work ethic.
Mom passed peacefully with her four children by her side.
Predeceased by parents, brothers; Adolphe (Colleen) & Lawrence, sisters; Virginia Wilkin, Gloria Vern, Dolores Davey and brother-in-law; Bob Hendy. Survived by sisters; Mary, Geraldine Gilks, and Judy (Tom) Plensky and brother; Johnny (Maureen), sister-in-law; June Hendy, children; Tracey (George Sharp), Arden Chailler (Dan Ostler), Bradley, and Erin, granddaughters; Lauren and Michele Chailler, and step-grandson; Rob Ostler, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to Dr. Lisinski and the staff at Arbor Cottage.
Mass was celebrated on Saturday, December 21st, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. from St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 1135 4th Avenue, Ladysmith, BC. Father Robert Mmegwa, celebrant. Interment Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, Cedar, BC Donations can be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at telfordn@shaw.ca
Telford’s of Ladysmith
250-245-5553