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
13 Responses
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.
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.
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