Surrounded by the prayers and love of her family, Beatrice peacefully passed on to rest in the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 (Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord). She was born on June 6, 1916, in Transcona, Manitoba, the daughter of William Patrick Duggan and Florence Ellen Mahoney. Predeceased by her husband, Frank Grey (1993); her parents, her brothers Jack, Homer, Harold and James and her oldest son, Richard Grey (2005). Beatrice is survived by her youngest brother, Gerald (Kenora); her remaining sons, Gordon Francis (Nancy) and Rev. Fr. Ian Charles; her beloved grandchildren, Alexander, Rebecca, Andrew (Andrea), David (Catherine), Kathryn and Christopher; her great-grandchildren, Rayna, Jace, Adrian and Callen and many loving nephews and nieces. She will be missed by the many friends she has made over her 97 years. Raised in Redditt, Ont., Beatrice graduated in nursing from Misericordia Hospital (Winnipeg, 1938) continuing on to post-graduate studies (Boston), then nursing at St. Joseph’s Hospital (Kenora, Ont.), public health nursing in Winnipeg and finally serving her country as a Lieutenant Nursing Sister in the Canadian Army where she met Dr. Frank Stuart. They were married in St. Ignatius Church (Winnipeg) in 1945. Beatrice, Frank and the 3 boys came to Victoria in 1954 where she quickly became involved in volunteer and charity work with St. Patrick’s R.C. Parish and School, St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Louis College, the Catholic Womens’ League and Development and Peace, making substantial contributions in all endeavours. In retirement Beatrice and Frank remained very active in Church life as well as travels north (Arctic Ocean), south (Georgia), east (Rome) and west (Hawaii) as well as many points in between. She fulfilled her greatest dream, to visit the Holy Land, in 1995. Beatrice happily lived the last 14 years of her life at St. Clare Villa right next door to her beloved St. Patrick’s Parish.
Evening Prayer Vigil will be held at 7 pm on Wednesday, August 14, at St. Patrick’s Church, 2060 Haultain St. (Oak Bay). Funeral Mass of Christian Burial is on Thursday, August 15 (Solemnity of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary) at 12:10 pm at St. Patrick’s Church. A reception will follow in the parish hall, followed by burial at Ross Bay Cemetery. Her family is deeply grateful for the many who have served and assisted her in her senior years and for the many prayers and Masses offered during the past weeks. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to The Canadian Catholic Organization for Development and Peace, www.devp.org. Condolences may be offered below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com.
19 Responses
Dear Father Ian,
Hope this poem will bring you peace at the time of your deep loss. It is sent with our love and prayers.
TO THOSE I LOVE AND THOSE WHO LOVE.
When I am gone, release me, let me go . I have so many things to see and do,
You must not tie yourself to me in tears. Be thankful for our many years.
I gave you my love. You can only guess, How much you gave to me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown ; But now, it’s time I travelled on…alone.
To grieve for me a while if grieve you must, Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a time that we must part; So bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on ; so If you need, call and I will come:
Though You can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near
and if You listen with your heart you will hear All My Love around you, soft and clear.
And then when you must come this way alone I’ll greet you with a smile and say, “Welcome home”
May Almighty rest your Mother’s soul in eternal peace.
Zaitun and Moez
Dear Father Ian, and all members of Stuart family
We were deeply saddened to hear of your deep loss. Your mother was a very special lady, always kind and generous.
Words would be too meagre to express our heartfelt condolences, but you know that she has completed her Life’s journey magnificiently and returned to her origin. There, there is no noise of the world- only eternal peace and happiness.
May Almighty rest her soul in eternal peace and bless the family with courage at this time of your deep loss.
With our prayers,
Zaitun and Moez Mahedi
Dear Fr. Ian,
Our deepest condolences to you and your family. I remember our trip to the Holy Land with your mom and also the Tea’s on the Veranda. She made these events very special.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Angelo Faganello and Family
dear father stuart, our sincere condolence on the passing away of your dear mother beatrice ginette wish she was there to give you a hug.We had a mass said for your mother and you.may she rest in peace amen.
dear father stuart ,ginett e&jean offer you our sincere condolence on the passing away of your dear mother beatrice.
Ginette knows your in real pain,wish she was there to give you a hug.
Rev. Father Charles Ian Stuart , our deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family.. We never meet your Mother but we been talking so much about Her that we feel we knew Her. Your devotion for her always touched our hearts.God bless you!
Petronio Olivieri and family.
Father Ian, Gordon and Nancy and family,
I offer my condolences and prayers. We are indebted to one of the founders of Development and Peace.
Andrew Conradi, ofs
Dear Father Stuart,
We extend our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We remember coming to Victoria on our “Spirit Day” and having the opportunity to visit with your mother and sharing her fabulous coffee cake.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
SFA Staff
My deepest condolences and prayers to the Stuart family. No words could express how precious one’s life is and the feelings of loss for a dear family member. She is now walking with the Lord. May peace be with you.
Antonella Accettura
To Gordon, Nancy, Ian and all the family.
Aunty Bea was one of the cornerstones of our life – a caring and wonderful friend to my Mum, and a friend to all of us. We will miss her always.
Please accept our condolences.