Beverley Florence McGillivray
January 9th, 1946 ~ June 1st, 2022
McGILLIVAY, Beverley Florence
January 9, 1946 – June 1, 2022
This week, after a long battle with cancer, our mom, Beverley McGillivray (formerly Lesarge), passed away. Always a fighter, she will be remembered by friends and family as someone who always looked for meaning in life and had strong personal values that she upheld in everything she did. Mom worked hard, not only in her various career paths over the years, but also as a caregiver to our brother, Leslie.
A music lover and creative person, our mom had a diverse and eclectic range of favorite bands and artists that she enjoyed and shared with others, especially her family. It was these interests that lead her to realize her dream of opening an arts café in Langley, BC many years ago. For three years, The Abstract Zone was a hub for students, artists, musicians, and other like-minded creatives. The bonds that were formed there still extend to this day and the memories of that time were as important to our mom as special family moments. At A.Z., many people, including her kids, were encouraged to follow their dreams and go off the beaten path when necessary.
A lifelong photographer, Bev took amazing pictures of landscapes, sunsets, and her loved ones. (It is evident that she was the primary documenter of family events as she rarely makes an appearance in old photos). Our mom also had a love of collecting fish themed things, when asked once “why fish?” she said everyone else was collecting frogs and roosters and she wanted to be different. Koi fish were a favorite and she would never give up an opportunity to bring a camera to a pond or garden that had them swimming freely.
Whether we’ve realized it or not over the years, our mom has deeply influenced us with her tastes, interests, and independent spirit. Bev is survived by her son, Leslie McGillivray (Cochrane AB); daughters, Karen Geary (Vancouver BC) and Michelle (and Phil) Wiebe (Cochrane AB). She also leaves behind 4 granddaughters, Melissa, Stella, Emilie and Hazel.
We will not be having a memorial service, instead having a small family gathering to Celebrate her Life. Those who wish to make a donation in our mom’s honour could donate to the Humane Society or similar animal charity.
