September 15, 1935-May 11, 2026
The Intensity of Our Pain Reflects the Abundance of Love that We Shared
…When the Pain Subsides, the Love Remains, Forever.
– Sharin
Bev left for Heaven from Huntsville Hospice on May 11. She quietly waited until another Mother’s Day was spent in her home. That was Bev. She fought against dementia for 8 years. When she could no longer stand, find her words, or reach the straw of her coffee with her lips, she would say, “Get lost, dementia!”…take a deep breath and change direction. Mom wore a Smile every Day, including the Last. All who met her knew that Smile!
People who will miss her? Far too many to count.
Paul Ducharme, loving husband for 27 years, passed away in 2022 from Alzheimer’s. Together they travelled the States and Canada, golfing, sunbathing, swimming, and creating fun with whomever they met! Christmas was shared with family every year and 5th-year birthdays at “the Mandarin” for a light bite…They spent many years caring for Paul’s mom, Mary, who meant so very much to all of us. Paul and Bev were often seen holding hands or dancing. They were like a pair of teens, in their own little bubble, enjoying each other. While Paul was in Fairvern, 2019-2022, Bev would visit often. We escaped to the Diner, Deli, or Boston Pizza for as long as we could. We would visit through a glass door during C…when it was over, they were holding hands again! Bev’s world was a wonderful place, with Paul in it! Thanks, Paulie!!
At home, in Richmond Hill, they were not easy to track down. Both Associate Life Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 375. Paul was the Past President of the Branch, and Bev was active at the District, Zone, and Branch levels. Mom spent over 44 years filing, organizing, fundraising (often co-chairing Poppy Campaigns), visiting ill members and Vets at K wing, Sunnybrook, attending Warriors Day Parades, marching, and more marching. Remembrance Day Services, Membership Chair, Shuffleboard and Euchre tournaments, District Conventions, and the 46th Dominion Convention in St. John’s, NF. And in the midst of the more than 30,000 hours of volunteer time, the odd glass of wine was shared with Comrades! Together, with their hundreds of Comrades, Bev and Paul served tirelessly, Veterans, military, and RCMP members (who Served Us in the past and continue to do so), and communities Canada-wide. Wayne, Betty, Sheelagh, and all of Bev’s RCL Comrades…Thank You!!
Shirley Hooper (Pancho Ramkissoon), Bev’s adored sister of 88 years and one of her favourite brothers-in-law! Shirl and Pancho resided for many years between Toronto and Trinidad. Sister time was a continuous flow of laughter, hugging, scrapping, and sharing! Over the years, Shirl and Bev spent much quality time together. Vacations to Panama, Mexico (thanks to sister Rena) and Vancouver, their original home. The girls were all three different, but each one special. Born of a Dad who dedicated his Life to Service and a Mom who was the Kindest woman I have ever known, Bev, Shirl and Rena Gave so much to so many in their own ways! When Bev was diagnosed with cancer, then dementia, and moved to Huntsville, Shirl and Pancho played a key part in Bev’s happiness! Face time every day with Shirl kept spirits high. Reminders of “how nice you look, today” or “where’s that Hooper smile” brought sunshine on a gray day! Shirl’s tender conversation and patience were always a Blessing, a gift she found while caring for Grandma (dementia) for 7 years. When Pancho would face time from Trinidad, he would ask for his “Angel”….Bev’s Smile would barely fit her tiny face! Oh, how much Joy it brought Bev when she heard that iPad ring and heard the words “Hi, it’s Shirley”…
Lorena Laferriere (Gaetan/Patch) Huntsville, Bev’s treasured sister of 86 years, and the first favourite brother-in-law! How much Bev enjoyed being fed glorious meals prepared by Rena, entertained with Uncle Patch’s guitar playing, singing Christmas carols for neighbouring cottagers and swimming naked with her sisters and Mom in Mary Lake! Both homes Rena and Patch built in St. Jovite and Mary Lake were staples for Family gatherings. Mom (and All of us) spent so much time together in these picturesque surroundings. Visiting with Patch’s brothers, playing endless hours of card games, boating, hanging out with the cats and of course, the feuding!! We actually had to pop on a horned Viking hat to take turns speaking! The Hooper girls had no problem voicing opinions, especially when they differed (most of the time). However, this Family whose words could sting like a bee, cared for each other with a Love that never wavered, will never end! Rena and Patch moved down the Lane from Mom in 2021. Every day, since then, Rena appeared to check in on big sis! Patch kept Bev stocked with memorabilia and kept the laughter alive. If Bev forgot a name, once in a while, she simply smiled…and we knew that the recognition remained in her heart, if not on her lips. Bev’s Sisters were two of her “Favourite Things”…..(from The Sound of Music).
Louis Liadis, Bev’s venerated son-in-law. She was his biggest fan! Mom lit up when his bellowing voice announced “I’m here…” every Friday for dinner. Louis entertained Mom and rustled up the feistiness she was so well known for! Bev had a terrific time teasing her daughter at Louis’ prompting. They played Clapper and kept score for a few years, and no, Louis never let Mom win; she could beat him on her own! Oh yes…Mom loved Louis! Louis’ relations were also a happy support for Bev’s. Vicki, my cherished mother-in-law, passed away in September. Vicki was a Special Friend to Bev. Their shared kindness bonded them together for many fun occasions and warm moments. Cousins visited, and some in-laws and friends. The rest of the Family always made a point of asking after Mom. Bev was always overjoyed when able to meet the “Louis side”.
Dan Hooper (Liane), Calgary, AL, Bev’s nephew, whom she loved late. Bev wished they had more time together! Face time bridged the distance.
Wendy Gipps, Richmond Hill and Su Shippin,(Nod) Hertfordshire, England, Bev’s “nieces” who never stopped calling or writing. The years in Maple were so very Special.
Phyliss and Bob, Kim, Bruce, Gay, Tina, Lisa, Arnold (she missed dearly), Brenda and Dario, Christine, Matt and Candace, Bev’s friends at 24 Dairy Lane, and so many, many more! The Love these devoted people brought into Bev’s Life will always be remembered!
Dr. Law of Sunnybrook and Dr. Nay of RVH, Barrie, Thank You for saving Mom in 2018!
Kimberley and the Amazing team of PSWs and Aides that took benevolent care of Bev for over 8 years, our dedicated ladies from “the Friends”, Muskoka Seniors, Melissa, and Bev’s nurses, Dr. Fiorotto and Dr. Raycraft, Huntsville Paramedics and Huntsville Hospice, our profound Gratitude and Love!
Beverley worked from 15 to 65, while, in part, raising two children on her own. Phillips Electronics, Canada Post and over 20 years as Sr. Branch Administrator with Royal LePage, Thornhill. She spent many years with the United Church Women of St. Matthews in Richmond Hill. Her Faith in God, abiding and Beautiful! Bev was also a volunteer at York Central Hospital (Mackenzie Health) for 48 years. She brought a wacky sense of humour, fun, and companionship to many dialysis patients, as well as her fellow heroes.
Steve MacDonald, Huntsville, Bev’s Son, who she couldn’t Love More! Together, Steve and Sharin cared for Bev at Home. The time and patience that Steve took with Bev, every single day for 5 years, was immeasurable. Dementia presents challenges that no one can be totally prepared for. Steve Showed Up and Never left her side. Without his exhaustive efforts, willingness to learn, sideways humour, and forgiveness of his sister’s persistent nagging, none of us would have amassed the Joys of these past years with Bev! For your Devotion, Strength, Sacrifice, and Support…most of all your Love of Bev…Mom is Proud, and I am Eternally Thankful! ….Sis
Sharin MacDonald-Mills (Louis Liadis), Bev’s daughter. Bev’s priority was her children. Steve and Sharin were placed second to no one. A Mother’s Love is like no other. Unconditional. Bev made motherly sacrifices throughout her Life, without Fear of Judgement. Whatever she could do for her kids was simply done. Steve and I could not find a way to show Mom how Grateful we were for her selflessness. However, when Mom was diagnosed with cancer, we Showed Up and never left. Mom became Our Priority, now, for 8 years. A small “Thank you, We Love You Always” for giving us Life and for giving us Her very Best for over 60 years.
Dearest God…Keep our Beautiful Mom wrapped in Joy!!
Some people leave a Legacy of Wealth, some of Success or Wisdom. Beverley Ducharme, our Mom, our Sister, our Friend, has left a Legacy of Service and Compassion….and Eternal Love of All.
We Love You More, Mom…..See you later!
Bev requested no services. Donations, if you wish, can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy Fund or Brain Canada Foundation.
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