February 12, 1923 - June 15, 2018
Bea passed away peacefully at the age of 95 years with her three daughters at her side.
Bea was born in Abercrombie, North Dakota, USA, and at the tender age of nine months, her family moved to Sunnybrook, Alberta where they began homesteading. Times were hard, so when Bea was fourteen, her family moved to West Creston. It was here she met, and married, Fred MacKay and together they raised four daughters.
Bea kept busy gardening, raising her chickens, working side by side with Fred tending to the birth of the calves, hauling hay, and taking part in cattle drives. This was in addition to keeping beautifully manicured flowerbeds. She became well known for her flower arrangements and she made many bouquets for weddings and community affairs.
Bea was very also involved in many committees and functions both in her church and the West Creston Community. There was Ladies' Club, the Fall Fairs, Christmas concerts, Blossom Festivals, the Cattleman's Association, and she even worked for Elections Canada on numerous occasions.
Bea supported her girls through thick and thin; she was approachable, encouraging and forgiving. Her unconditional love continued on to her grandkids and their families.
Beautiful and strong, quiet and loving, she was well loved, left us a wonderful legacy and truly was the glue that held the family together.
Bea is predeceased by her daughter Elaine in 2002 and husband Fred in 2003.
She is survived by daughters Marlene (Larry) Shannon of Kimberley, BC; Shiela (Jim) Wilson of West Creston; and Sandy (Norm) Clunies-Ross of Whitehorse, Yukon. In addition she has 14 grandchildren, 27 great and 16 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Phyllis Ryckman of Creston.
The family would like to thank the many friends and relatives for their acts of kindness. These acts show us how much she was remembered, cared about and had touched so many lives. Many thanks to Bob Leduc of G.F. Oliver Funeral Chapel who was so thoughtful, gentle, and whose attention to detail was greatly appreciated.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Heart and Stroke Foundation, 4 - 1551 Sutherland Ave, Kelowna, BC V1Y 9M9.