Obituary of Beatrice Ellen Caldwell

BEATRICE ELLEN CALDWELL It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our mother and grandmother, Beatrice Ellen Caldwell. Mom passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Pembina Manitou Health Centre on Wednesday, September 18, 2019, just two weeks after celebrating her 93rd birthday. Mom was born on a farm in Lavenham, Manitoba on September 3, 1926, the third of five children to Victor and Elsie Rands (nee Wright). Mom met Dad after the Second World War at the Manitoba Sanatorium in Ninette where he was a patient battling TB, and they were married on November 27, 1954 in Portage la Prairie. Three sons Drew, Grant and Craig were born and by the mid-60s, the family was complete. The boys meant absolutely everything to Mom and Dad and the house at 404 was a hub of activity. Kids from throughout the neighbourhood could always be found at the Caldwell home playing games or across the street at Park Community Centre. Daily life centered on sports as Dad coached and Mom cheered, as the boys played baseball in summer and hockey in winter. Trips to Minneapolis to watch the Twins were common and a special vacation to Disneyland in the early 70s and a later Christmas trip with her sons and our families to bring in the new millennium in Hawaii were highlights. Once we were a little older, Mom worked part-time, provided childcare in the home and spent many hours volunteering at Park and Betty Gibson Elementary Schools. Despite not having the opportunity to go to high school, Mom was always a strong advocate for education, as she encouraged all of us to pursue our interests and post-secondary education. After Dad's passing in 1989, Mom's focus changed as grandchildren entered the picture. Grandma's greatest pleasure in life was doting on and spoiling her four grandchildren Stephanie, Kristie, Jared and Jennifer. Mom was extremely proud of all her grandchildren and she supported all of their endeavours over the years. We are truly indebted to Grandma Bea for all her love and for all she did for us. Mom became more interested in politics in her later years and belonged to the NDP Ladies Auxiliary and Knox United Church in Brandon. She loved ice cream, bird watching and enjoyed nature. As Mom's health began to fail, she moved into Hobb's Manor in Brandon and for just over four years, her final home at the Pembina Manitou Health Centre in Manitou. The Caldwell family wishes to sincerely thank everyone for the outstanding care Mom received from all the staff. Words cannot fully express how much we appreciate all the love Mom received over her final years. Mom is lovingly remembered by sons Drew (Sharon) of L'Isle-Verte, PQ; Grant (Kelly) of Manitou; and Craig (Laura) of Calgary, and her beloved grandchildren Stephanie, Kristie, Jared and Jennifer. Mom is also survived by her brother Vern (Bea) Rands of Winnipeg, sister-in-law Lois (David) Boyd of Winnipeg, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was predeceased by her husband Boyd, parents Victor and Elsie Rands, in-laws Charles and Lois Caldwell, brother Clarence, and sisters Joyce and Doris. Thank you Mom for your unwavering support and unconditional love. We all knew Mom as the kindest, most generous and loving person. We love you lots and lots and you'll live in our hearts forever! A Celebration of Bea's Life was held at Brockie Donovan Chapel on Saturday, September 21st at 10:00 am with Craig Miller of Knox United Church officiating. Interment followed at the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bea may be made to the Pembina Manitou Health Centre or the Pembina Manitou Health Centre Palliative Care Fund, Box 129, Manitou, Manitoba, R0G 1G0.