Obituary of Joyce Kathleen Beever

BEEVER: Joyce Kathleen (née Dawson), beloved mother of Kathy and Karen, passed away suddenly on February 3, 2010 at the age of 78. Joyce was born in Brandon on April 30, 1931. After completing her formal education at Central and Earl Haig schools, Joyce worked at Perth's Drycleaners, Brandon General Hospital, The Metropolitan Store and Manitoba Telephone System. She was a league bowler and enjoyed dancing at the Palladium, where she met her future husband, Kenneth Beever. Joyce and Ken were married on October 30, 1954. In her youth, Joyce contracted rheumatic fever. While this limited physical activities, it did not deter her enthusiasm and passion to acquire knowledge. Joyce became a life-long learner. She took a keen interest in researching and learning about a wide variety of topics. A record keeper, she meticulously recorded the events of the community and family in her journals. Joyce had a great sense of humour and a sharp wit. She enjoyed movies, crossword puzzles, and trivia. She could draw, write and sing – talents that were never fully realized to their full potential. Mom was a mom. She could cook, bake and sew. She nursed and comforted our bumps and bruises. She listened and consoled. She cheered and congratulated. She took an avid interest in our school and 4-H projects and our lives to the present day. She will be sadly missed. After farming in the South Brandon district for 33 years, Joyce and Ken retired to Brandon in 1987. After Ken's passing in 2006, Joyce enjoyed visiting seniors at Fairview and Dinsdale Nursing Homes. Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Kathy of Calgary and Karen of Winnipeg, brother Bill Dawson and sister Jean (Russell) Hawkins. She was predeceased by husband Kenneth and parents Ernest and Kay Dawson. The family extends a sincere thank you to neighbours and friends for their many acts of kindness over the years. Mom was surrounded by thoughtful and caring people. Service of Remembrance was held February 11, 2010 with Mr. Lawrence McInnes officiating. Placement of the urn was at Brandon Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joyce may be made to Brandon Humane Society 2200 – 17th St East, Brandon MB, R7A 7M6 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation 3 – 824 18th St Brandon MB, R7A 5B7.