In loving memory of our dear mother, Eleanor Beverley (Bev) Meyer - nee Smith. July 12, 1926 - June 2, 2023
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, whom Our Lord called home on June 2nd at the age of 96.
Our mother was born in Vancouver, BC, to Lillian Beatrice Robson and John Neil Smith in 1926. Following the birth of her younger brother, Stuart, the family moved to Salt Spring Island in 1929. Her parents chose to build a small home by the sea in Vesuvius to raise their family. Mum spoke of her childhood often and with the fondest of memories. In 1946, like her mother before her, mum left the island to attend St. Joseph's School of Nursing in Victoria, BC. After earning her degree in 1950, she returned home and began her nursing career at the original Lady Minto Hospital. It was there that mum met and fell in love our father, George, during his 1st posting as a young RCMP officer on SSI. They were married on May 1st, 1954, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church and went on to have 6 children. Dad's work had us living all over Canada, but upon his retirement in 1980 they moved back to the island they loved so dearly - Salt Spring.
Mum and dad thoroughly enjoyed returning to the peaceful life of island living and making a new home for themselves. Mum's favourite place to be was out in the garden. It was her great passion. Everything she touched flourished into a lush, colourful scene of beauty. Without a doubt, she is now making the gardens above just as lovely.
Our cherished mother devoted her entire life selflessly to others. Always smiling, never complaining. Her deep devotion to The Blessed Virgin Mary and Our Heavenly Father guided the way she lived her life and the way that she cared for loved ones. Her physical presence may be absent, but her sweet, kind, loving soul will forever shine bright and live on in glory.
There are not enough words to express how truly blessed we are to have had such an amazing mother, and how deeply we miss her. Our hearts are heavy, but we take comfort in knowing that one day we will all be together again in God's beautiful Kingdom. As mum used to say, "I'll go on ahead and get things ready for you." A devoted mother right until the end and on into eternity.
Mum is reunited in Heaven with her loving grandparents, parents, brother Stuart, husband George, daughter Verna, and grandsons Christian and Stephen. She is survived by her 5 children, Paul, Ilona, Teresa, Stuart, and Sheila. Along with 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church on August 19th at 1:00pm. A small reception will follow downstairs at the parish. To all who so kindly prayed for our sweet mum, thank you! We are truly grateful.
