Elizabeth Jane (“Beth”) Marr, nee Maher, slipped away from our world to another on Monday, May 9, 2016.
Beth is lovingly remembered by her soulmate of 73 years, Bill; daughter, Linda-Beth, and son-in-law, Blair; her pride and joy, grandchildren, Lisa-Beth and David; and her very special love; great-granddaughter, Emily.
Also surviving are her brother, Jim (Ella-Mae); sisters, Ilene and Helen; sister-in-law, Barbara; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and daughter, Noreen (Greg).
Beth was predeceased by parents, Bill and Elizabeth; mother-in-law, Maude, and father-in-law, Harry; brother, Bill; sister, Bertha, and brother-in-law, Gerry; sister, Kathleen; brother-in-law, Dick; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jack and Muriel; nephew, Jackie; and nieces Judy, Wendy, and Nancy.
Beth was born July 23, 1926 in Fort Frances, Ont. and lived her early years in McIrvine. She graduated from high school and attended normal school in North Bay, Ont.
Her first years of teaching were in La Vallee and at Robert Moore.
She was united in marriage to Bill on June 15, 1949. They moved to Atikokan, Ont. in 1950 with their infant daughter, Linda-Beth.
Beth pursued her teaching career again in 1955 and taught until 1985.
After Bill sold his pharmacy in 1987, they relocated to Kenora, Ont. to be a daily presence in their grandchildren’s lives.
Bill, Beth, Linda, and Blair moved to Winnipeg, Man. in 2009 and lived together. The brightest part of their day was the daily visit of their great-granddaughter, Emily.
Beth loved her teaching career, and she continued after retirement to have an avid interest in education. She listened to her grandchildren’s days in their classrooms, often giving advice and relating similar situations in her career.
Beth curled, bowled, and played golf. She never took games too seriously and often would stop counting her score in golf after a particular frustrating hole.
She loved her summers at Eva Lake, where family and friends often would congregate. She always enjoyed a good time.
Beth was a strong and unconventional woman. Cooking was never her style and the family joke was that she invented take-out in Atikokan.
She instilled a strong sense of feminism in her daughter and grandchildren. She had an unwavering belief in equality, regardless of race, creed, colour, or gender. She was passionate about politics, and loved her mystery books and crosswords.
At her request, there will be no service. The family will gather for a celebration of life in June.
Flowers gratefully are declined. In memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St., Winnipeg, Man., R3C 4G2 or a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be offered at www.thomsonfuneralchapel.com
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
Dr. Seuss