Caroline Beckie

It is with sorrow that Kelly and I announce the passing of our mother, Caroline Anne Beckie, age 84, on August 6, 2023 at the Pasqua Hospital from pancreatic cancer. 

She is survived by her daughter Suzanne, son Kelly (Leah) and her beloved granddaughter Grace.  

Mom was born in Davidson to Martin and Anne Beckie.   She grew up on the farm near Bladworth SK.  She was a farm girl through and through.  Hard working, energetic and always willing to lend a hand.  She grew up the only girl with 4 brothers so you knew she was tough!  She learned how to be resilient, how to grow her own food and most importantly how to cook which served Carol her whole working life.

Carol attended Sion Academy, Saskatoon SK and graduated high school in 1957.  She later attended her first year of Psychiatric nursing in North Battleford SK but due to the program closure she moved to the Selkirk MB area to continue her studies.  Mom decided not to pursue nursing but continued to live in Manitoba where she settled and started our family.

We were raised in rural Anola Manitoba and were so lucky to have had that time with her staying home with us.  Mom loved being in the country again.   She had a green thumb and could grow anything.   She grew an amazing flower garden in the yard and kept a large garden.  Mom was always pickling and canning everything.  She was the heart and soul of the farm in Anola.

Through a work transfer, we moved to SK.  Mom loved living in SK.   She went back to worked at Woolco and then later at St. Michael’s Retreat in Lumsden in the kitchen in the late 70’s and early 80’s.

Carol was an adventurer and was up for any challenge, she moved to rural Vermillion AB where she worked as a cook on a cattle ranch and continued her studies and achieved her Industrial Cooking Certificate with distinction in 1989.   Mom moved back to Lumsden shortly after and worked at the Cancer Treatment Lodge in Regina as a cook.

Mom’s heart took her back work at St. Michael’s in the early 90’s where she cooked until her retirement in 2003. She planned, arranged, created and baked many wonderful meals and events over the years with the St. Michaels team.  The Retreat felt like home to her.   Mom had many pictures and other memories of her time working with and for the Franciscans.   She worked long hours and enjoyed her work and friendships she made there.  One of the highlights of her time there was a trip to Europe with Father Martin Betin and Joann Deck.    She made many life-long friends during her time at St. Michaels and these memories held a very special place in her heart.

Mom was a sportswoman.  In her younger years she played plenty of softball and in her adult years, while living in Lumsden, mom was also active in the local curling community.  She curled until she was in her early 70’s.   She was an avid sports fan but football and baseball were her favourites.  Mom and Kelly shared many moments going to Rider games and talking football.  She told me once that giving up her car was tough but giving up her Rider season ticket was the toughest!  She was a season ticket holder for over 25 years.  She also loved the Blue Jays watching as many games as she could.  She loved the two trips she made to Seattle to watch them play in person.

I can not say enough what a wonderful daughter, mother and grandmother she was.  Mom spent several years supporting her parents at home every weekend which enabled them to live at home as long as possible.  Always there for Kelly and I to listen and support us over the years.    Family was very important to mom and she spent as much time as she could visiting and giving to us.  Grace held a special place in her heart.  In her retirement she spent time with us on family vacations overseas and across Canada.  Carol was always up to explore new places and see new things. 

Mom lived the later part of her life in Regina and loved living in the Cathedral area.  She attended mass daily until she no longer was physically able.   Watching mass daily and praying with friends and neighbours meant so much to her.

She was an avid letter writer.  Both Kelly and I would receive many a letter that came usually with several newspaper clippings from sports events, community news or anything else that struck her to send us.  Mom made many friends over the years from across Canada.  She wrote to them on a regular basis keeping in touch with them and of course, including the odd newspaper clipping or two!

She was a devout Roman Catholic.  Her faith and prayer were an integral part of who she was.  She was very generous and cared for the well being of others.  It was very important to her that she gave her time, her ear and what ever she could to help others.  She truly embodied the spirit of Christianity in her every day life.   It was the power of prayer that carried her through her final journey.

Carol’s funeral will be held at St. Peter’s RC Church on August 19, 2023 at 11:00 a lunch will be held after.  In lieu of flowers we are asking that donations be made to the St. Peter’s RC Church in her honour.  St. Peter’s RC Church, Box 746, Lumdsen, SK S0G 3C0