January 11, 2019
We would like to share that our mother's journey with Alzheimer's has came to an end on January 11, 2019 with her family surrounding her at the Gateby Long Term Care Center.
Beth was born in England near the very end of the second world war and was brought to Pier 21, Halifax, Canada as an infant. She spent her childhood in Chapleau, Ontario and moved to the Okanagan with her family as a teenager. Beth was married to Al Desimone and devoted her life to raising her children, working as a Lab technician, and volunteering in her community with numerous non-profit organizations (Kinnettes, Grannies a Gogo, Community Concert, Friends of the Library Society, and Canadian Cancer Society to name just a few).
Beth was a caring woman whose enjoyment of music, arts and laughter allowed her to create a wonderful and devoted circle of friends. Everyone loved Beth. She could be found on most sunny summer days tending to her beautiful garden, golfing with her friends, or walking her devoted companion Flossie. Alzheimer's stole Beth's ability to do what she loved like traveling, quilting, painting, drawing, cooking, baking, sewing and yoga. However, it brought her into the home of, and daily loving contact with, her children and grandchildren.
Beth is loved and will be missed by her children Brodie (Tania Engen) and Megan (Lance Sweeney), grandchildren Eamon and Cleo, siblings Fearon Blair (Richard), Rosslyn Ernst (Bill), Drew Whitney (Laura) and Rhonda Ransom (Malcolm), and countless nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Ross and Eileen Whitney.
A celebration of life will be held May 4th at 1 pm at the Mackie House in Coldstream (77804 Kidston Road). In lieu or flowers, donations can be made to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital foundation or Gateby residents' comfort fund. We want to extend our gratitude to the staff at Gateby and most especially to Michelle for loving and caring for our mom.
Service Details
1:00 PM