We Remember
JOHNSON, Beverley Ann
June 9, 1949 — December 18, 2017
I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethro’
Gleams that untravell’d world whose margin fades
For ever and forever when I move.
-Ulysses, Tennyson
It is with profound sadness that the family of Beverley Ann Johnson announces her passing on Monday, December 18, 2017. Beverley is survived by her loving daughter Bronwyn, mother Helen of Kelowna, sisters Jacqueline Nielson of Ladysmith and Diana Hattori of Kelowna, brother Richard “Ric” Johnson of Kimberly, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. She was predeceased by her father Richard Johnson and brothers-in-law Joseph Hattori, and Eric Nielson.
Born June 9, 1949, and raised in the small community of Marysville, Beverley left the Kootenays to acquire a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Lethbridge, and later her Teacher’s License from the University of British Columbia. Her desire to experience life in every aspect took her overseas during the early 80′ where she taught English in both Papua New Guinea and Taiwan. After returning to Canada she moved to Vancouver and worked for several years in investment banking before relocating to the Okanagan to raise her only daughter, Bronwyn.
A thoughtful and compassionate woman, Beverley was always ready to help friends and family with anything from childminding to home renovations. She was skilled in many areas and welcomed the opportunity to share her talents with others. Her skill as a seamstress, in particular, kept her in demand with family and friends, and gave her an outlet for her considerable creative energy.
On warm spring and summer days you were likely to find Beverley spending time outside either gardening, or else sitting in the shade enjoying a good book, often accompanied by her cat Tippie. An avid learner throughout her life Beverley enrolled at UBCO after retiring in 2014 taking a variety of classes in areas that interested her. She also took pleasure in long conversations over a bottle of wine, which gave her the opportunity to swap ideas on literature, travel, and politics. Much missed by friends and family will be her quiet flair for storytelling and sly sense of humour.
Her passionate heart and courageous spirit will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, April 30th, 2018 at 10:00 am at The Laurel Packing House, 1304 Ellis Street, Kelowna, BC. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the BC Poverty Reduction Coalition http://bcpovertyreduction.ca/about/
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Service
Monday, April 30th, 2018 at 10:00 am
Location
Laurel Packing House
Share with Others:
BC Poverty Reduction Coalition Link: bcpovertyreduction.ca/about/
Service Information
Service Details
The service for JOHNSON, Beverley Ann is scheduled for Monday, April 30th, 2018 at 10:00 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
Laurel Packing House
1304 Ellis Street Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
My sincerest condolences to you Bronwyn and your family. I worked with Bev for a few years and enjoyed our lunchtime walks talking about travels and gardening. Your mom will be missed. Linda Diduck
It’s been a very long time since I saw you last, Bronwyn……you were quite young. Your mom and you came to visit us in Osoyoos and you enjoyed riding my daughter’s horse, Hershey. I’ve had some unforgettable times with your Mom. There were 3 of us who were first cousins…..Susan was born in May, your mom in June and I came along in November…..all in 1949. (Susan’s father, my father and Bev’s Mother were siblings). Back then we were as ‘tight’ as cousins could be, and were for many years. Cherished the many family dinners together while growing up. Your Mom was a very kind, thoughtful, fun-loving individual who craved world-wide experiences. She accomplished many of her goals, with her greatest achievement being you. She was so very proud of you, Bronwyn, and you were her life from the moment you entered her world!
As life goes, sometimes ‘things’ happen that change a person. Unfortunately, too many years passed where I did not see Bev again. My love for your awesome mother and my wonderful cousin, will never leave my heart…..
I know you have many of her strong qualities, as well as her beauty. The best of your Mom carries on in you.
My very sincerest condolences in losing your Mom much too soon. My condolences as well to Aunt Helen and cousins Jacquie, Diana & Ric in their loss of a daughter and sister. May God’s richest blessings and His strength be with you all.
With Deep Love,
Cousin Val
Bronwyn this has been such an unexpected and difficult time for you, your grandma and family in the loss of your mom. You have met the challenge and the pain with a dignity and quiet strength that would make your mom so very proud. Our family came to know Beverley through you and I always appreciated how the two of you came as a unit. We so valued Beverley’s humor, intelligent conversations, her priorities, independence and interests, but mostly her willingness to try new things. We moms enjoyed chatting about mom-stuff like the balance between keeping kids close while encouraging you to fly and make your own discoveries and decisions. She had an adventurous spirit, but she was just as excited to see you plan and experience your own travels and life journey too. She was a special lady with genuine class (and had the hats to prove it), but she also enjoyed a good hike, a bike ride and a dig in the garden. She was gentle and kind, made the best birthday cakes and sewed all sorts of neat things that will help us remember her. She will be deeply missed by all of us who had a chance to know her through various stages in her life and the places she lived. With our warmest thoughts and fond memories of time together, please accept our sincere condolences – The Shanks family and our extended family.
What a beautiful tribute for a woman who clearly lived life well and fully. Hearing of Bev’s passing came as a terrible shock, one that I am still trying to get over. She and I were members of the Selkirk High class of ’67, a group of people who have made an effort to reconnect regularly since graduation. I was pleasantly surprised to see Bev at our 50th in July and we had a nice chat, trying in just a few minutes to fill in a 50 year gap. Looking back now, I wished we had spent a little more time reconnecting. My thoughts are with Beverley’s daughter and other members of her family as they grieve this terrible loss.
So sorry to hear this sad news…..sincere condolences to her family and friends from her Manitoba cousins.
Very sad to hear of Beverley’s passing. She was a classy lady with an interesting daughter Bronwyn. Watch out for her she’s good at backgammon (gets better playing for money). LOL, just kidding. Love you both. Tom