Elizabeth passed away in peace after a long and loving life. She is survived by her daughter Jeanne (Patricia Jean) and grandson Andrew Fryer, his wife Cora LaRussa and their child Lyon Reid LaRussa Fryer. Beth lived her last stage of life at Sidney Care home, surrounded by caring, vital young people who did their best to give Mama Beth a loving and dignified old age.
Beth was born near Brock, Saskatchewan to George and Jane Calder (Duncan). George emigrated from Scotland to work as a labourer in Toronto, and then went on to obtain a homestead in McMorran, Sask. He sent for Jane 6 years later. Elizabeth was the first child born to them. Her brother William was born next, followed by sisters Violet, Jean and Helen. All of her siblings predeceased Elizabeth. Her beloved husband, Cyril Cecil, also predeceased her in 1958.
Beth is fondly remembered as Mrs. C. by the children of her former son-in-law John Fryer, who are Shelli, Darren, Blair, Lisa (Briggs) and Tanis (Sweeney). Her nieces and nephews across Canada also remember her with great affection and mourn her passing as the head of the family. Beth was steadfast in keeping connections alive with her cousins, both in Scotland and in Canada, with old and new friends, and with all the generations of her siblings’ families. She wrote letters and made telephone calls, as that was the way of her generation.
After Cy’s death, Beth worked at Victoria Press (The Colonist) in Classified Advertising for about 20 years. In retirement, she was active in her church auxiliary, enjoyed travel with friends and family, and cherished and cared for her friends and family. Elizabeth bought her first home at the age of 80. Her life was enriched in every way by her grandson Andrew and she met her great-grandson, Lyon, in July.
A Memorial Service for Elizabeth will take place in Christ Church Cathedral’s Lady Chapel in Victoria, at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, March 2, 2016.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall’s Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Cathy Adams Bayda
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Joanna Drewry My deepest sympathy to you, Jeannie and all your family. I remember your Mother with great fondness and always thanked her for helping me get my first “real” job at the Victoria Times. She was a kind and loving soul and I remember her patience with us when we were children. You were very blessed to have had her as your Mother.
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Sheila Miller I was sorry to read of the loss of your mom in the Colonist on the weekend Jeannie. My sincere condolences to you and your family. It must be a comfort to you knowing she had the opportunity to meet her great grandson this past year and also that you provided such loving concern and support for her well being in her declining years. Sincerely, Sheila
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Eileen Campbell Dear Jeanne,
What an amazing woman your mum was!! She was very intelligent, organized, fun, interested in so many things, caring, and so supportive of you and your family. Her relationship with Andrew was very special, a gift to both of them. You gave her so much love and made sure she had the best quality of life in her later years. You will miss her terribly but will always carry her with you in your heart. I feel privileged to have known her. Love, Eileen
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Nancy Hunter Bless her, Jeannie, and you, the best daughter ever. You have been so loving and kind during her long and well lived life, and especially in those last few years when you fought for the best care for your dear Mom.
I remember her so fondly from the Craigdarroch years [back in the 60’s] when I first knew you and her. Then on Saturna, I remember coming over on the same ferry to visit you. I hadn’t seen her for a few years and she was the same warm and energetic lady I’d always known. She filled so many lives with sunshine. 🙂Love, Nancy xoxo
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Sandra and Tom Our warmest thoughts are with you, Jeanne, at this difficult time in life.
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Deena Honan Jeannie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Aunty Beth was an amazing women and a wonderful friend to our family.
My sincerest condolences,
Deena Honan (Smuin)
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Heather Jeannie,
Auntie Beth (as she was known to my sister Deena and I) was the most gracious, kind, loving, easy going and dynamic at the same time woman I have ever known.
Mom and I would wait at your place while Deena was at her piano lesson.
Every week without fail, there would be a delectable cream puff donut in the fridge waiting for each of us. Aunty Beth worked full time, and we were using her space…but she always had a gift there for us.
I remember Auntie Beth coming on holidays with us, going fishing with us and traipsing around wherever we went. She was such a good sport.
When I would call her on the phone, she would always say…”Well bless my heart! How nice of you to think about me. Now tell me all about you!” She knew everyone’s name, what my kids were up to the last time we called, and was always to happy to hear from me.
When Mark and I stopped by the last time to see her, we reminisced about my Grandparents (who were her good friends) and she enjoyed being outside in the fresh air with us.
I remember telling her more than once, “when I grow up I want to be just like you”…She just smiled and told me, “Oh my dear, I don’t know about that…you are just fine the way you are”.I love you Auntie Beth, I hope you’re playing a game of bridge with Maggie, Emerson, Margaret and Donald. xo
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Marilyn Curtis What a long life your Mother had, Jeanne. She was a lovely lady. Our condolences to you and your family. The torch is yours, may you hold it high in her honour 🙂
with love, Marilyn & Duncan
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Rita Balaam Hi Jeanne.
What a beautiful, loving and caring obituary you wrote for your Mom. She was obviously well loved and we were fortunate to meet her once or twice many years ago. It was wonderful to see that she was able to meet her great grandson. Lyon. Our condolences. Vaughan and Rita Balaam.
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Kim Tribute I have very fond memories of Beth from my visits to Canada, she was a lovely Lady, my condolences to Jeanne and Andrew
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Cindy & Jid Jeanne and Andrew,
We were so saddened to hear of Grandma’s passing. She sounded like a beautiful person, we wish we would have had the opportunity to know her more. She has had a truly amazing life, what changes she has witnessed over the years. With our condolences on your sad loss, Love, Cindy & Jid
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John Fryer Dear Beth–my favourite mother in law–was a truly wonderful person. Gentle and caring she lived by the golden rule and shared her love with all who were close to her and received much love in return. She lived a long and good life and will be long remembered by the quiet joy and genuine concern she freely gave to so many. From afar I send my deepest condolences to Jeanne, Andrew and the rest of her family and friends. Looking down on all of us she will continue to care–eternally.
My deepest regrets in the passing of your mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I remember meeting Beth when I was young. I live just south of the old Calder homestead on highway 30. My father and Beth were first cousins and I live on the farm that belonged to Violet and James Cook who also was an aunt to my Dad and later my parents’ farm where I live at the present time. I remember your Mom as being a very friendly loving soul and it is wonderful you had her for all those years. Sorry for your great loss.