Obituary of Beatrice Jolly

JOLLY: Beatrice “Bea” Jolly passed away peacefully at Brandon Regional Health Centre on Monday, May 17, 2021 at the age of 92.

Bea was born in Preston, U.K. to Arthur and Helen Emmett on December 8, 1928. She obtained a Home Economics degree from Bristol University in 1949.

After teaching in the U.K. for 17 years, Bea and her family moved to Canada in 1967 to teach in the Brandon School Division. Bea was a well-loved teacher and taught for many years at St. Michael’s Academy, Neelin High School and at Crocus Plains, with 2 years as a Home Economics consultant with Manitoba Education.  

Bea was dedicated to her family, following daughter Helen’s sporting exploits and later taking much joy in watching her grandchildren play hockey, baseball, and other activities. More recently, she enjoyed visiting her two great grandsons when it was possible. She was always committed to community service, with her accomplishments too numerous to list here. Highlights include long service with Girl Guides both in the U.K. and in Canada, being awarded an Honorary Life membership in 1982. She was also involved in many organizations, often serving in executive roles or chairing various committees. These organizations included: Delta Kappa Gamma Society, St. John Ambulance, Brandon United Way, Child and Family Services, Manitoba Society of Seniors and Seniors for Seniors, CNIB, and the YWCA. One of her proudest accomplishments was being instrumental in initiating the ‘milestones’ project for screening 3 and 4 year olds for health problems.

Most recently, Bea served on the Brandon School Division Board of Trustees from 2006-10, serving a year as vice-chair and on numerous committees. Later she was appointed to the Brandon University Board of Governors (2010-2017) and sat on the University Senate.

As a result of these activities, Bea has received many awards and commendations, again too many to list. Some highlights include: the YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, Mayor of Brandon Volunteer Award in 2010, the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for Community Service in 1989. She was also honoured to be presented with a Star Quilt by parents from Sioux Valley. Perhaps her most prized award was the President’s Council Award presented by the Manitoba Association for School Trustees in 2003. This award was for outstanding commitment to the education of children in Manitoba and was given jointly to Bea and husband, Malcolm. 

In recent years, Bea enjoyed painting and had 12 pieces in the Over 80 and Rising Art Display at the Art Gallery of Southwestern Manitoba in 2012. She also enjoyed games such as bingo, bridge, and poker – and she rarely lost a game of cribbage!

Bea was predeceased by her loving husband, Malcolm. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Helen (Mike) Nantais; grandchildren, Allison, Chris (Sarah); great-grandchildren, Malcolm and Reid.

A private memorial service and interment will held at St. Matthew’s Cathedral on Friday, May 21, 2021.  Donations in memory of Bea may be made to the Brandon University Foundation “Faculty of Education”, 270 18^th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 6A9, or to a charity of choice.