Isabella passed away at the Royal Jubilee Hospital after an eighteen month illness (which she fought with grace and great courage) with her husband and six children holding her hand in a circle at her bedside. Isabella was pre-deceased by her parents Donald and Leita Ullman and her siblings Mary and Leslie, all of Kingston, Ontario. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. R. Peter Beck and their children; Kathleen Beck (Rob Hookes), Suzanne (Steve) Panteluk, Patricia (Dr. Alf) Conradi, Dr. Paul Beck (Wanda Dawson), Elizabeth (Marc) Dumaine, John (Christie) Beck and seventeen grand (and great) children, all from Alberta.
Isabella (Izi) was born in Kingston, Ontario where she graduated from Rideau Public School, K.C.V.I., and the Kingston General Hospital as an RN. She worked as a nurse in Kingston, Vancouver, and Montreal. As a youngster she was very active in sports as a player and later as a coach. She met Peter in 1951 and they married after his graduation from Queen’s Medical School in 1955. Peter’s post MD training and subsequent medical career took them to Vancouver, Montreal, Edmonton, Richmond VA, South Africa, Mexico, Argentina, and other places. In retirement they lived in Windermere and the last thirteen years in Victoria.
Izi was a very bright, dynamic, articulate, very hard working (busy Izi), charismatic, positive, upbeat person. She always treated everyone in a polite, respectful manner. She was forgiving and always tried to see the good in everyone. She was down to earth and took a genuine, caring interest in anyone with whom she came in contact. She loved gardening and reading but her main focus was making home a special place in every way for family and friends.
She was a very devoted, loving wife, mother and grand (great) mother. If you spent time with Izi you didn’t hear it nor smell it but you felt a love that made you a better person. She had a great sense of humour and we had plenty of laughter. Our family feels we have lost an icon. “Rest in peace my darling”
The family would like to, very gratefully, thank all those persons involved in giving Isabella excellent care. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Royal Jubilee Hospital, The Salvation Army or a charity of your choice.
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Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
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31 Responses
To my dear friend Kathy, Jonathan, Rob, Dr Beck, Paul, Sue, Trish, John, Liz and spouses and grandchildren and great grandchildren. What a blessing your Isabella was to you all and to the rest of us whom she touched with her love and magic. I will always remember how genuine, outgoing, energetic and welcoming Izi was. She was a force of nature to be sure. I reflect fondly on the memories I have of her over the years. She was a master at conversation and making you feel included and welcome. At a family reunion at Windermere a few years back I marvelled at her hostessing skills and enjoyed many a kitchen coffee and conversation while prepping food. Izi was such a positive and caring individual. A few years ago when I was recovering from surgery she took the time to send me lovely, uplifting handwritten notes. It was very touching. So many of her qualities I see in my pal Kathy. I will remember her fondly and continue to hear her signature voice and her infectious laugh. Godspeed Mrs Beck, congratulations on the legacy you left here. You will be missed. Love Debbie (Thomas)
I was so sad to hear of “Izy’s” passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences and know, although I haven’t seen your mom for a long time, I thought of her often.
Mrs. Beck welcomed me into her home with kindness and grace when I first moved to Canada and continued to be a force of love for many years after I became a mother myself.
I wish you time to reflect and embrace the footprints your mom has made in her lifetime and hope you find peace in those memories.
Sonja Henning
Dear Peter
My deep condolences to you and your family. I have many fond memories of Izzie, especially as a hostess in your home.
I will be in touch with you more often in the days ahead, and will always be available to help in any possible way.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to the entire Beck Family. Izi was a wonderful, engaging, and welcoming person wherever she was. I remember her as a true community leader in my Glenora days.
Sorry for your loss, with love and remembrance,
Sarah
Dear Peter and family:
I am so so sorry about the loss of Izi. I have so many wonderful memories of all of you. Izi was such a wonderful person and Mammabear. I have been reminded of all your hospitality here in Edmonton and Windermere. For a while Izi and I played bridge together in the basement of our Basilica. I have been thinking of our New Years evening celebration listening and dancing to at the time a popular Dutch singing group. And Peter also was my gynaecologist and even operated on me. Harvey declared Peter was his doctor also creating lots of laughter. I have always loved all of you and please know that my thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
We both have such fond memories of “Mrs . Beck “ , growing up in Grandview and later on as well ! She was such a kind , compassionate, down to earth , hard working woman . Our deepest condolences to all the Beck family .
Dr. Peter Beck and family:
We are very saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you all and knowing that you have such a strong loving family, that you have each other to help navigate through this difficult time. Our sincerest condolences.
To the Beck family,
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Izzy. I remember her as being a very warm and loving lady. Remember her always and cherish those memories. All my love.
Belinda Hookes
I was so sad to learn of Izy’s passing. Your family has such a long history with ours and I have so many memories Peter and Izi at our home with my Dad and Elly. Many rousing discussions and much laughter. Izy was always so kind to us kids. When I married she held the most beautiful shower for me. I remember the table being set out with such beautiful food and impeccable style. She was kind and compassionate. My sister Jennifer, who passed away a couple of years ago, loved her dearly. Jennifer was challenging as a young woman and Izy always made her feel accepted and loved. She didn’t judge (or if she did, she kept it to herself), a trait most of us could try and emulate. I will always think of her with a smile, remembering her grace, kindness, compassion and generosity. Your loss is huge and I wish you time and peace to feel your grief and embrace your wonderful memories of happier days. Love and hugs from Chereda and Nick
Dear Trish, siblings and families,
We were so saddened to hear of Izi’s passing and send our love during this difficult time. We all remember Izi as welcoming, engaging and warm. She will be missed.
From the Conradi-Bailey-Schuller family we send our condolences.