We Remember

VAN DEN EERENBEEMT, Beatrice “Speedy” Elizabeth

October 16, 1942 — December 4, 2025

A celebration of Bea’s life will take place on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at  12:00 noon, at Immaculate Conception Church (839 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC). All who knew and loved her are warmly invited to attend.

If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Beatrice “Speedy”, who left us peacefully on December 4, 2025, at Sun Pointe Village, with family by her side.

Born in Penticton, BC and raised on her family’s farm in Bridesville, Bea carried the values of hard work, resilience, and generosity throughout her life. She married the love of her life, Herman, on December 26, 1960, in Kelowna, BC, where they built a beautiful life together, raising their five sons and founding Bonanza Meat Packers in 1977. Their partnership was full of adventure, including travels around the world and countless memories made with family and friends.

Bea was a devoted mother, sister, wife, friend, and a deeply cherished Oma. She will be remembered for her strength, generosity, quick wit and determination that made her unforgettable. She was an avid gardener, enjoyed sewing and painting, loved going dancing, and a talented baker and canner—filling “Speedy’s Store” with treats and recipes that will be treasured for generations. One of her most cherished places was the Ponderosa, a haven of memories that will forever hold her presence.

Bea is lovingly remembered by her sons Wim (Carla), Fred (Liana), Henk (Tina), and Marc (Denise); her grandchildren: Kody (Amanda), Sara, Derrik (Kirianna), Shelby, Meghan (Craig), Jenna (Justin), Chalagne (Kramer), Martin, Dustin (Sierra), Daija and Destiny; and her great-grandchildren: Kylee, Annie, Charlee, Ainsley, Alayah, Layne, and Walker. She is also survived by her brother Art (Norah) and her sisters Mary and Alice (Wally).

She was predeceased by her parents Marguerite and Jacob Harfman; her beloved husband Herman; her son Marty; her grandson Ryan; and her brothers Herb and Harold.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate care team at Sun Pointe Village and the many years of care provided by her family doctor, Dr. Auret Van Heerden.

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my own garden forever” –Alfred Tennyson

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

LIVESTREAM provided by Immaculate Conception Church:

Service
Saturday, January 17, 2026, at  12:00 noon

Location
Immaculate Conception Church

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BC Children's Hospital Link: www.bcchildrens.ca/

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for VAN DEN EERENBEEMT, Beatrice “Speedy” Elizabeth is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026, at  12:00 noon. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Immaculate Conception Church

839 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Mike and Holly says:

    We are sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
    Mike and Holly Walter

  • Alice Klim says:

    We are sorry for loss of Beatrice. She did her best with what she helped to create. May she rest in peace.

  • Anthony Tony Schleppe says:

    My family and I send our sincere condolences to Wim and all of the family and friends. Mothers always seem to be the biggest loss in our lives .

  • Denise Unger says:

    Condolences to all who knew and loved Bea. She was my mother-in-law for 14 years and was Oma to my daughters, and great-Oma to my grandkids. Bea was a strong woman of her generation, raising her family in the 60s and 70s while also building a career and supporting Bonanza Meats at a time when that path was far from easy. She balanced responsibility, hard work, and determination in ways that quietly set an example for those around her. I will always admire her strength and independence, which has been passed on to my daughters. One of the things I will always remember is how much she enjoyed time with her grandchildren. My girls still talk about days at the cottage and cabin with Oma and Opa, helping Oma the garden and greenhouse, picking beans, baking in the kitchen, and the many afternoons spent canning peaches that she somehow made fun. Those moments became part of their childhood, and they are memories they will carry forward.

    A special thank you to Jenna for the years that she cared for Oma. They had a special relationship and Jenna will hold the good memories near and dear.

    It is now the responsibility of the older ones to share the stories and traditions of Oma with the great-grandchildren, who maybe too young to remember her in the years to come. Wishing comfort to all who loved Bea as you remember her in your own ways.

  • Ron and Kelly Workman says:

    Word can’t express how sorry we are for your family’s loss. The memories that we hold and cherish with Bea and her family will always be special to us.
    Love, Ron, Kelly, Aidan, Preston, Trenton and Logan

  • Ken McLaughlin says:

    BEA, a wonderful bright & strong willed woman with a passion to make friends very easily. She was very business oriented & I had the pleasure of dealing with her or should usually..she dealing with me! Always a pleasure having a tea doing business together. May God bless & welcome this negotiator…with love. Ken

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