Obituary of Beverly Spooner

L Beverly Spooner

Bev passed away on 11 March, the same date as her mother’s birth. She is survived by her husband, Jim, their children Barb, Cheri, and Rob (Jeff Fisher), grandchildren Andrew and Shannon Wallace, and Nicholas Spooner; her Johnson nephews Ron, Paul, David and Andrew, her Spooner nephews and nieces, John, Cindy, Susan, James and Mark, and their spouses and children. She was predeceased by her parents Oscar and Myrtle (Carlson) Johnson, brother Harley and sister-in-law Shirley (Needham) Johnson.

Bev was born in Prince Albert on 15 December 1933, attended Queen Elizabeth elementary school and Prince Albert Collegiate Institute.  In her final year at PACI she was treasurer of the student council (SAA).  After graduation she became a dental assistant to Partridge & Dust in PA.  Bev was an active skier participating in provincial competitions with success in downhill, slalom and combined events, the last in 1961.  She was also a golfer, active most recently in senior golf at the Lazy K par 3 course at Emma Lake until it closed.  Bev married Jim on 12 April 1958 and their life followed his career in teaching at Aberdeen (1959-60), Prince Albert (1960-65), and Saskatoon (1965-70; 1973-2000 USask), with stints in Michigan (1970-73) and California (1985-86).  (The family moved from PA to Saskatoon in October 1965 to Salisbury Drive, their home to date.)  While in Michigan, Bev was an assistant to the grade one teacher in Spartan Village School.  On her return to Saskatoon from Michigan, Bev was able to follow her own interests that resulted in her co-purchasing and managing the Saskatoon Stretch Sewing Centre on Louise Avenue; the store closed in 1985 after which she enjoyed a continuing salesperson association with the Hobo Clothing Company on Broadway.  Along the way, Bev was also able to shape the design of her kitchen that enabled her to host family Sunday suppers in the manner she envisioned.  On the death of her parents, Bev became responsible for managing the family estate, a role she capably carried out until dementia robbed her of the ability to do most everything - cook, sew, drive, play games, garden and tend her flowers, time at Emma lake, golf and, particularly, to enjoy life.  A couple of weeks before she passed she noted, “We never have any fun anymore.” So true.

But her real story was as mother, grandmother, and wife.  She was the matriarch of the family, loving, caring, kind, supportive and generous.  While some would describe her as quiet, she was aware of everything and led by example.  In April, she and Jim would have celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary.

On their retirement in 2000, Bev and Jim enjoyed winter vacations in Maui, ocean cruises, travels (Portugal, France, Italy, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia) and gatherings/tours with the Winos, and summers at the cabin at Emma Lake.  And there were always dogs in the family, most recently, Darby.  We miss Bev deeply and hope that she has found the peace that has eluded her for so many years.

For those who knew her, please recall a good memory and let that be part of her legacy.

There will be no formal service of farewell.  The family will honor her life with a private gathering of remembrance and love.  Special thanks to the Cudworth Nursing Home and Saskatoon Funeral Home.