We Remember
SHEDDEN (NEE BECKWITH), Hilda (Becky) Miriam
September 2, 1920 — December 18, 2015
Born Sept. 2, 1920 in Edmonton, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2015 in Kelowna, BC.
Becky will be missed by her daughters Helen (Lawrence) King of Calgary, and Barbara (Peter) Smith of Tucson AZ; and her son, James (Susan) Shedden of Kelowna; her sister-in-law Evelyn (Ernie) Shedden of Edmonton; 7 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; 6 nieces and nephews and their families.
Becky defined the term Mother, and devoted her life to her family. No matter where she lived she instantly created a home and the family and friends would follow for visits and enjoyment. She reveled in the laughter, humour, and joy of family gatherings and she would add to the candor with her wry yet hilarious wit and perspectives on life.
Predeceased by her husband Donald, she supported him in his careers around Western Canada – Calgary, Bowden, Medicine Hat, Calgary (again!), Kamloops, and Sorrento until finally refining the last extension of her family to include the caring, loving, and supportive nurses, aides, and staff at 3 Links Manor in Kelowna.
A fiercely loyal Matriarch, she glowed and brightened in the company of any of her clan. Her common sense and “30’s child” frugality created troves of ‘treasure’ and an education in cooking, baking, values, and hard work for her children. Her devotion to family and country and Queen saw her enlist in the Army in 1940 to do ‘her part’.
She loved joining Choirs and sang like a bird, and she loved gatherings of friends either at the Lake or in her home (or theirs!) to celebrate the victories (and losses) of life or for any other viable excuse. She was a quiet classic and gave her family the greatest gift by simply leading by example.
Becky was predeceased by her Father Charles; her Mother May; her brother Alan (Marjorie) Beckwith, and her sisters Dorothy Beckwith and Helen Beckwith.
On December 18th, Becky’s heart still strong, her breath was slowly taken away…. And she quietly left us to continue her legacy of kindness, fairness, and diligence toward creating a better world. She will be missed but never forgotten, and stories of her life will bring smiles and joy for decades.
The family is planning a Celebration of her Life in the New Year. For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences”.
Service
Celebration of her Life in the New Year
I was so sorry to read the paper notification of Becky’s passing. It’s funny of all the memories that seem to stick there was so many of a time in my life that included both Don and Becky and of the love and respect I had for both. Becky’s patience for me and the rest of the crew, (Jim’ pals) was uncanny and always brings a smile to my face. Mary and my heart goes out to the family and your loss and would appreciate notice of a celebration of her life.