Beverly, beloved sister, devoted aunt, fine friend and nursing academic lived her life with grace, optimism and good humour. She was born the first of six children to Bertha and Arni Anderson and throughout her life carried a deep love for family, her Icelandic heritage and the family home in Naicam, Saskatchewan.

Beverly’s nursing education began at the University of Saskatchewan (1959), followed by completion of her baccalaureate at McGill University (1972), Master of Science in Nursing at University of Texas (1979) and PhD in Nursing at University of Utah (1994). Her nursing practice took her to neurosurgical units from Saskatchewan to California and Michigan, followed by nursing practice with paediatric patients and later in a surgical intensive care unit. Upon her return to Canada in 1972, Beverly worked as a public health nurse with the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) in Montreal. In Montreal, Beverly’s interest in nursing education and a strength-based approach to nursing flourished as she worked with the Family Practice Unit and began her teaching career at Montreal’s Dawson College. She taught at the University of British Columbia prior to her tenure at the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary, from where she retired as Associate Professor in 2002.

Beverly contributed to the generation of nursing knowledge in important topics of family relations including maternal twin interaction, fathering of multiple births, and the strengths of single parent families. She co-founded the Women’s Health Initiative Group at the University of Calgary through which she conducted research, published and mentored graduate students. Her expertise in qualitative approaches to research was reflected in invitations to teach internationally and in her many conference presentations. Throughout her career, Beverly has offered her strengths based view, passion for social justice and warm engagement to colleagues and students from Naicam, Saskatchewan to Tampere, Finland and in every encounter between.

Following her retirement in 2002, Beverly pursued outdoor activities, intellectual challenges and her long held interest in her Icelandic ancestry. She was an accomplished downhill skier and an enthusiastic golfer. She served in executive positions with the Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club of Calgary from 2007-2011. Beverly’s joie de vivre emanated from her optimism and a quiet spirituality. Retirement afforded the opportunity to become more involved in Parkdale United Church in Calgary where she served as the Coordinator of the Healing Touch Ministry. As her own illness progressed, she benefited from the support and distance healing from this group and from the Healing Touch Team in Victoria.

In 2013, Beverly undertook an adventurous move to Victoria with her twin sister Arnette. Here they were welcomed by cousins, Eileen and Al, and together joined the Cordova Bay United Church and Plus 55 seniors’ group to engage in bridge, golf and fun. As always, Beverly held her family relationships in the foreground and so much enjoyed visits from her siblings, nieces and her much loved Mother.

Beverly is survived by her twin sister Arnette, brother Gary (Lois), sister Audrey Jestin (David), sister Maxine Howard, and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother and father, brother Gregory, brother-in-law Rod Howard, and nephew Arni.

A Celebration of Beverly’s Life will be held in Victoria at Cordova Bay United Church on Wednesday, November 15, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. and in Calgary at a later date.

Donations may be made to Victoria Hospice and Canadian Cancer Society.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

  • Harry Newman

    Arnette,
    After I left Beverly (I spent over 52 years in Miami) she was very special, I always ask my friends in Denver if they knew where she +you were living, after reading the above I see she had a great career. She passed much too young.
    Sorry for you loss,
    Harry

  • Mandy Hunt

    Dear Arnette,
    I am so sorry to hear of Beverly’s passing. I wish I had tried to contact you guys sooner. It’s been years since we have last spoken. I will always remember the fond time that Melina and I had as children with you and Beverly, Amos, Andy and Charlie brown. I hope that you are well. Much love always.
    Mandy

  • Arlene Johnston

    Sincere sympathy to the Anderson family in the loss of Beverly. Bev made outstanding contributions throughout her career for family, friends, clients and community. I had the privilege to know her as a colleague and friend in the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary.

  • Don and Bron Sharpe

    Hello Arnette,
    We were saddened to learn of Bev’s passing. She was a wonderful lady. When we think of JAY PEAK, she always comes to mind. Please extend our condolences to your family. Our hearts and thoughts are with you all at this time.
    Don and Bron Sharpe ( Calgary)

  • Scott Eason

    Beverly was one of the kindest, fun and uplifting souls I have ever shared time with. She will be missed by all that she has blessed by her caring presence. When I moved to Calgary Beverly showed me around the city, took me for lunches and (re)introduced me to family. My sincerest condolences to all that will miss her.
    Scott Eason, Hamilton

  • Diane Reid

    Dear Arnette, it was with shock and sadness that I read in the Times Colonist of Beverly’s passing. We had lost touch over the years since I left Pt. McKay but I always remembered her as a very special person. I have very fond memories of you two skiing in Vermont with my late husband Serge and I.

    My deepest sympathy to you and your family,

    Diane Hansquine-Reid
    Parksville, B.C.

  • Marlene HALL

    Dear Arnette and all the Anderson family. I am saddened to hear the news of your beloved sister and our nursing sister. This is such a loss to so many. As one of her 59 Dips nursing class, I too will miss her. It just won’t be the same at our reunions! I send you my deepest sympathy and hold you in my heart and in my thoughts as you travel this grievous journey. My love, Marlene Hall

  • Helena Thomson

    Dear Arnette,
    Please accept our sincere sympathy on the passing of Bev. We knew her while at Parkdale United in Calgary. She was such a great lady and we will miss her. Cherish the wonderful memories of your beautiful sister.
    Blessings,
    Helena and Gordon Thomson

  • Suzanne Caty

    Dear Arnette, it was with sadness that I read on line that Bev had died. I know that the last few months were very difficult for Bev and you. Arnette I expect you had a say in the wonderful obituary for Bev. It depicted her so well. I truly have wonderful memories of our 2 years at McGill, our travels and living together on Ridgewood. I know you are at this time surrounded with family and friends. They will help you thru this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you and please give my condolences to your siblings. Thinking of you. Hugs. Suzanne

  • Lyn Volk

    We are so sorry to hear of Beverly’s passing. She was a lovely lady and will certainly be missed.

  • Joanne Stalinski

    Arnette and Family: My most sincere condolences on the passing our dear, inspirational friend, Bev. I have such fond memories of Bev, always humble, funny, and thoughtful; Point McKay neighbour and friend. She has made a lasting mark on our hearts and will never be replaced. Take care of yourselves in her honour.

  • Carol McDonald

    Dear Arnette, Maxine, Gary and Lois, Audrey and Dave- We are holding you all in our hearts as you face the loss of your dear sister Beverly. We have wonderful memories of times with her, both in Calgary and Victoria; none more poignant than those from the last months of her life. Those memories comfort us now. We hope that your lifetime of memories with Beverly will comfort you.
    With love, Carol and Marjorie

  • Patti and Bob Rippon

    We want to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to you, Arnette, and to all your family. We have very much enjoyed knowing Beverly since we arrived in Victoria from Alberta. We have especially loved her classy style, her intelligence, her spunky nature and her positive attitude. We will surely miss her. ~ Patti and Bob Rippon

  • Allan Cropper and Annchen Bodenstab

    To the Anderson family, please accept our deepest condolences on the passing on of a wonderful and beautiful lady. It is always so terribly heartbreaking when one of our close family passes on. You are all very much in our thoughts and prayers. May God walk side by side with you especially during this terribly sad time of your lives. Sincerely, Annchen and Allan Cropper, Naicam, Saskatchewan

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