Obituaries

BEAVERS, Mary Ellen (Duncan)

A Daughters Memorial
In loving memory of Mary Ellen (Duncan) Beavers
I want to tell you about my wonderful mother who left this earthly home on January 31, 2021. Her life is one that should be celebrated and remembered as one filled with compassion and love.
She was born July 28th, 1931 in a small town in Texas, one of 6 girls. She is survived by her youngest sister who currently resides in Cashion Arizona. She had only one biological son, but when her sister tragically died in childbirth, she became the mother of myself and my twin brother. She was “mother” to many over the years though and particularly thought of her daughter-in-law Shirley as one of her own. She had a fierce love for her family and her walls were plastered with family photos; children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Mom was a natural caregiver. As a young girl she dreamed of being a Doctor and worked as a doctor’s assistant. The doctor she worked with offered to help her get an education, but unfortunately her parents were ill at the time and the family needed her income to survive. So, she put her dreams aside to take care of her family. Later in life she was able to get training as a Nurse’s Aide and worked in the extended care unit at the Kelowna hospital where she was loved by her patients and supervisors alike.
She loved dancing and participated in ball room dancing events including the year she took part in the Kelowna Regatta Parade. She danced the full length of the parade with her instructor to promote the dance school. She also had the opportunity to dance at the Grand Ball in the Crystal Ball Room of the renowned Empress Hotel in Victoria, B.C. An experience she cherished.
She told me that once as a young girl, she had been scouted by a Hollywood producer that wanted her to go to Hollywood and become a movie star. She told me she thought she could have become a star. As well as loving to dance she had a beautiful singing voice. She was prepared to go, but her parents put a stop to it. It amused me when she would tell me this story because I’m pretty sure if it had been totally up to her, she would have gone. My mom had little fear. Who knows she might have been a star!
In 1969 during the Vietnam controversy, she and my dad moved the family from the farm in Oklahoma to a new home in Canada. A choice not entirely supported by the entire family, but one that my mom felt strongly about and pushed for. It turned out to be an amazing blessing for our family, giving us experiences and opportunities we never would have had otherwise. Thank you, Mom.
Mom was an amazing cook. I don’t recall ever having seen her use a recipe. And her deserts are still talked about today. I once ask her how to make something and she said, “Oh about this much of this and so much of that. You know till it looks right”. I never did know when it looked right! Haha
She was a talented seamstress and sewed like she cooked. No recipe “so to speak”. She just looked at you and then at the fabric and started cutting. The end result was always spectacular. I had many beautiful clothes made by my mom and the boys had shirts made to rival any tailor. She also designed beautiful gowns for her ballroom dancing. However, she once told me she hated to sew. Lol
Mom was an avid reader and loved to write. She studied writing with the Palmer Writing Academy where her teacher was none other than Charles Schulz who wrote the peanuts comic strip. I wonder if the edits he marked on her writing assignments are worth anything? lol. She once wrote a mystery novel that unfortunately was never published, but those of us that read it quite enjoyed it.
According to my grandmother she was a very strong-minded child and I can attest to her indomitable spirit. When Mom became ill due to severe latex allergies and had to leave her work, she dedicated her time to researching and supporting others with her condition. She launched a battle with workers compensation to make changes to the hospital protocol on the use of latex products. It took her seven years to prove that the workplace circumstances triggered her illness and win her settlement with the Workers Compensation Board of Canada. A battle won that not only provided her compensatory value but benefited many more after her. A point that was very important to her. Her research became the material still used by the Board to regulate hospital protocol. I believe she would say this was her most important work and consider it her legacy.

Link: www.valleyviewfuneralhome.com

Condolence Messages

Apr 14, 2021
Your Mother was loved and cherished by everyone she met. She has gone on to continue her journey. I am deeply sorry for her passing. Shelagh
Feb 13, 2021
What a special lady was Mary Ellen.She always had a smile and a willing heart.She enjoyed her work and we missed her when she had to retire early.I can only imagine the void you are now sharing .My thoughts and prayers are with you the family she loved to talk about with great pride. Shirley
Feb 13, 2021
My sincere condolences to Mary Ellen's family. I also worked with Mary Ellen, she was always kind and considerate of others. We all loved her "accent"

May she Rest In Peace.

Yvonne
Feb 12, 2021
Sorry for your loss Antron Shirley & Carol, always tough losing parents...ill never forget your mums thick southern accent.

RIP. Marry Ellen

Ken & Judy
Feb 12, 2021
Much love to you all during this very difficult time.

Stay Strong Beavers!

Jori
Feb 11, 2021
I had the pleasure of meeting Mary. A wonderful lady. Condolences to Antron, Shirley and all the family

Moe Harke
Feb 11, 2021
My sincerest condolences Shirley and the rest of the family... I so loved this lady... it was always such a great pleasure to see he..may she Rest In Peace..

Cathy Codd
Feb 11, 2021
Godspeed MaryEllen. You were the person I loved to talk to, my neighbour. Your intelligence, humour and beautiful smile was missed when you moved to your son and daughter-in-laws. Thought of you just yesterday as I saw a white truck in your parking space, not your golden steed. Hugs and prayers for peaceful hearts and minds of your family. You will be held in memory forever. Joan Johnston
Feb 11, 2021
I knew Mary Ellen as a work colleague, dear friend and admired her greatly for her compassion and empathy.

Of course we enjoyed her “accent”.

All our lives were enriched just for knowing her and her big heart.

May she Rest In Peace after such a deserving life! Sympathies of her entire family. You were so fortunate to have a mom like her.

We loved her and she will be missed.

Lorie Downey
Feb 11, 2021
I have very fond memories of working with Mary Ellen, her kindness, loving care, her beautiful “Southern Drawl” and her sense of humour. She will be missed but not forgotten! Velva
Feb 11, 2021
I had the privilege of working with Mary Ellen in 1987+. My sincere condolences to her family with the loss of such a special person.

Susan