Obituary of Beverley Somerville

With gratitude for a long life well lived. Beverley Asalene Somerville (née Wilson) was born on April 30, 1933 and passed Feb 10, 2023 just weeks shy of her 90th birthday. Beverley was born in Renfrew, Ontario, and studied nursing at the Ottawa Civic Hospital where she met Arthur Elwood Somerville whom she would marry on September 4, 1954. They lived in England for Ed's residency, but they settled out West in Saskatoon including spending summers at their beloved cottage at Loon Lake. Beverley worked as an RN but as she raised her children, she became a 'professional' volunteer; notably with the Rotary Ann's, the Saskatoon Symphony as well as the Saskatoon Youth Orchestra. Bev's true family of sons and daughters are spread throughout the world through the various Rotary Youth Exchange students hosted over many years. It is heartwarming to think that small reflections of mom are scattered all over the world, making it a better place. She touched the lives of so many including friends of her children; to know Bev was to love Bev. Bev and Ed's families remained mostly in Eastern Canada, but her close friends became family; wherever Bev traveled, there was always plenty of 'family' surrounding her. Maui was always a special place to Mom, and she leaves many friends there as well. When Mom wasn't raising kids or volunteering, she was often cooking and hosting many get togethers. Mom loved to entertain and was an accomplished cook. We grieve the loss of a family member who was always a little bigger than life; vigorous and bubbling with enthusiasm for whatever hills and valleys lay ahead. Despite the passing of our father in 1997, Mom courageously carried on with her life and made sure her beloved grandchildren knew about their grandfather. We are so grateful to Bev's daughter in law, Julia Hickey Somerville who was very involved in her palliative care. Bev was predeceased by her husband, Ed, and her son Shaun, as well as her brother Stirling. She is survived by her 3 children: Her daughter, Kerry (Mike) and sons Jamie and Noah. Her son, Jeff with sons Liam and Rowan, and daughter Olivia as well as Jeff's significant other Shauna Kazeil and daughter Zoe Brown. Her daughter Kathryn (Damon) and sons Aidan and Torin. She is also survived by her sisters Norma (Gordon) and Marilyn (Dale) and her brother Kenn (Lorraine) and numerous nephews and nieces. Bev lived her final years in Nanaimo, lovingly cared for by grandson, Liam, and special caregivers Leah and Daisy. 

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to a charity in mom's name, she was so recently touched by the devastating earthquake in Syria and Turkey. Anyone wishing to contact the family can do so by reaching out to kerrylsomerville@gmail.com.

''Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to let you in.'' (Robert Frost). Mom, you are home now, we miss you, you will never be forgotten.

The Memorial Service will take place on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral followed by a reception in the church hall. Condolences may be left for the family at www.saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.