We Remember
BEEBE, Mona
—
December 1941 – June 2021
Mona passed away peacefully but unexpectedly and is now reunited with her husband Jeff. She passed away on June 29, 2021, at the age of 79 in Kelowna, BC.
Mona grew up in Alberta. She went to the University of Alberta and received her Doctorate. She became a teacher and met her husband while teaching in Northern Alberta. They both returned to University to receive their Doctorates, and both worked at the Memorial University of Newfoundland. They came to Kelowna in 2011.
Mona was a curious, kind, generous, and happy woman.
She was predeceased by her husband Jeffrey. Mona is survived by her son Graham (Desiree) and their son Benjamin; her son Marty and his daughters Sophia and Vanessa, as well as their mother Annette; brother Vern (Gwen) Beebe; sister Marge (Brian) Carr; numerous nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
A Private Family Service will take place.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
I worked with Mona at MacDonald Drive Elementary School in St. John,s. My sincere condolences to the family.
We are saddened to hear of Mona’s passing and send our sincere condolences to all family members. Jeff taught with my husband at Memorial University and they worked together on many published papers. Mona taught with me at Macdonald Drive Elementary School. Jeff and Mona were a wonderful couple, fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing them. Actually every time we pass by the last house they lived in, we always speak of them. May your memories of happy family times shared together be a source of comfort at this time of grief. God bless you.
Sincerest condolences to Mona’s family. I also worked with Mona at MacDonald Drive. She was very professional and always friendly.
Mona has been my next door neighbour for the past 11 years. I couldn’t have asked for a better neighbour. Mona’s always been happy to have a chat to catch upon the latest news and to help water my plants.. With Mona’s help, I received my MSc 4 years ago. . I’ll miss Mona’s smile and her generosity. My condolences to her family.
So sorry to hear about Mona’s passing.
My sincere condolences to the family! Hold fast to all of your wonderful memories!
Linda Coles
To Graham and Marty and families:
Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of your mom. We have very fond memories of working with both your mom and dad. At macDonald Drive Elementary Mona’s attention and dedication to meeting the needs of all children (both academically and otherwise) was outstanding. We trust that time and your happy family memories will help alleviate your sorrow.
Bev and Frank Lee
Our condolences to the Beebe Bullock family on the passing of Mona who was “ big on family”. Since she moved to Kelowna our chats and emails were filled with news of her boys and grandkids. My first contact with Mona was through Jeff when I had him as a prof in the mid 70s. Little did I know then that they would both become an integral part of our family life. We had many memorable meals with them because Mona was a great cook. Peach of a pie will always remind me of Mona. We also had a professional relationship through teaching at Macdonald Elementary and later at Memorial University. We had many discussions about the kids we worked with and debates about Literacy development. Through her time at Memorial she impacted teaching practices in Elementary education in NL. We also found joy in many creative pursuits from flower arranging to a painting holiday in France where Mona was the driver and I clutched the dash and yelled directional orders which Mona usually dismissed. So many great laughs, fashion consults ( ignored), walks, trips, dinners, visits, decorating projects, conferences, friends and family. You will be missed.
My condolences to Mona’s family. I worked with her at Macdonald Drive Elementary in St. John’s, NL.
She was a lovely lady and very professional in her work.
So sorry to hear of Mona’s passing. I worked with Mona and Jeff, helping with their research projects at Memorial in the 80s. They were both kind, thoughtful and committed to their work. I’ll never forget going into work on a Monday and hearing that Jeff had bought Mona a lovely old house in Heart’s Content on the weekend (right next door to our summer place). And Mona restored it beautifully. Condolences to her family. Wendy and Max Batten
Enjoyed our painting together along with our lovely chats. Always a happy and fun loving person. Our condolences to the family.
Graham, Marty and families, we were saddened to learn of Mona’s passing. It’s ironic that, in such times of sadness, beautiful, happy and sometimes even funny memories often come to light. This, if find, is no different from my experiences with Mona as a fellow teacher, friend and teacher of our daughter at Macdonald Drive Elementary School. Of all the fond memories, the one that is outstanding and which often provides a subject of discussion at our house, took place in Toronto during the week of May 1-6, 1988, when eighteen delegates from NL attended the 33rd annual convention of The International Reading Association (IRA). I was honoured to join with Margaret Ryall, Jeff and Mona to conduct a symposium that illustrated “The Quality of School Life and Reading in the Early Grades”—one of my many memories of which Mona was a part. Eugene and I wish to extend to you our sincere sympathy upon the loss of your loved one, a beautiful lady.
My sympathy to Marty, Graham, Marge and Vern. I first met Mona at the support group in Kelowna when our husbands were affected by Alzheimer’s. I remember how much fun Mona was on the trips we made to Vancouver Island and to Edmonton. For about 10 years now we have met for lunch with a group of ladies who also were in the support group. I enjoyed sharing a coffee and chat with her at Tim Hortons. She was a whiz at playing canasta. She often talked about her grandchildren and also the rest of her family as well. I will miss her.
I am very sorry for your loss and wish your family strength during this difficult time.
Tracy Gray, Member of Parliament, Kelowna – Lake Country
My deepest condolences to Mona’s family on her passing.
I was one of the weekly Alzheimers Support lunching ladies with Mona and
spent many a happy hour enjoying her company. Her kindness left me
with this beautiful painting she gifted to me when she knew how much
I loved quails. What a surprise! I will always have a nice memory and
think of her when I look at the painting hanging in my kitchen.
Rest In Peace Mona. You will be missed.
Sincerely,
Carol Harvey
Sincere condolences to Mona’s family especially Graham and Marty. What an amazing woman who touched so many lives with love, laughter, wisdom and kindness. Mona was a mentor and inspiration in my life and I am eternally grateful for her guidance as my professor. As my thesis supervisor, Mona put me through my paces! Always resolute and demanding the best which resulted in a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina to present that thesis at a World Congress on Reading.. What a time we had! Not only the professional success and experience, but the fun, laughter, and friendship we shared was truly unforgettable! Mona was a woman of great substance with such a giving spirit and a true sense of service to others. She was a avid advocate for mental health issues and raising awareness to help rid the public stigma of those who suffered with depression. Mona was and is brilliant bright light which will shine forever in my heart. Rest in peace my beautiful friend!
I taught with Mona at Macdonald Dr. in St John’s and would like to pass on to her family my deepest condolences on her passing.
It is difficult losing your mother so rely greatly on your memories.