It is with great sadness that we announce Beverley Rose-Mary Kozachenko passed away peacefully with her family by her side after battling a brief illness on January 1, 2026.
Bev was born June 28, 1940, In Fort Frances, Ont., to her parents Dorothy May and Ivan Cunningham. She was raised in Fort Frances prior to moving to Atikokan where she met the love of her life, Joseph Kozachenko. They were married on July 20, 1959, in Stratton, Ont., and enjoyed 67 years of marriage. Bev worked at the Commerce Bank in Atikokan for many years before leaving to raise their three daughters Donna, Tracy, and Sandra. They moved to North Branch, Ont., in 1966, and made it their home for 50 years where they met many of their lifelong friends turned family. In 2015, Bev and Joe made the move to a new house in Tracy and Shawn’s yard, where they enjoyed being closer to their family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Bev enjoyed baking and preparing meals for all to enjoy. Bev loved blueberry picking with her husband Joe and spending time with her family and friends. Bev was also very strong in her faith and attended the Pinewood Church every Sunday where she considered the parish part of her family. She was a devoted member of Our Lady of the Way Catholic Women’s League and always looked forward to the church teas for which she baked many items including her famous pies. She enjoyed quilting, sewing and crocheting and made beautiful pieces which she gifted to the ones she loved or donated to the church teas. Bev was a great lover of animals and made sure all were well fed and cared for, from the birds and deer to her cats, dogs and horses. Her gardens were large and always grew some of the nicest produce you would see, and she always made sure to share with her family, friends and neighbours. She had some of the most beautiful flower beds around that she tended to with great care.
Bev is survived by her loving husband of 67 years Joe, her daughters Donna (Evan) Lee of Dauphin, Man., and Tracy (Shawn) Hyatt of Devlin, Ont.; son-in-law John Clair of Thunder Bay, Ont.; grandchildren Jeff (Lauren) Hyatt, Kerry (Brodie) Gross, Jamie Clair and Joey Clair (Regina); and great-grandchildren Chance, Maeve, Kinley and Kate. She is also survived by her brother Wayne Cunningham and sister-in-law Marie Cunningham.
Bev is predeceased by her daughter Sandra Clair; her parents Dorothy May and Ivan Cunningham; mother-in-law Mary Kozachenko; and siblings Robert (Valerie), Clifford, Shirley (Vern) and sister-in-law Claudia.
Bev’s family would like to thank Father Thomas, Dr. Laxton, Carley Romyn, nurses Melanie, Emma, Cara and Tom, and the rest of the staff at La Verendrye General Hospital for their excellent care during Bev’s final days.
A remembrance service will be held on January 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church in Pinewood, Ont., followed by tea in the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bev’s memory to Our Lady of the Way Catholic Church Pinewood or Riverside Health Care – LVGH – Palliative Care.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
