August 25, 1922 - October 7, 2021
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Beth Elder, on October 7, 2021, at Hospice House in Kelowna, at the age of 99. Beth was born in Piapot Saskatchewan on August 25th, 1922, and was the second youngest of six children. Beth was an avid student, starting school young and skipping grades. She graduated at the age of 16 years old. As a young adult she moved to Ottawa during the Second World War and worked as a private secretary where she excelled at her job, so much so, that when her boss moved to Vancouver, he requested she follow. However, her father fell ill, and she went home to Piapot to help out. During that time Beth furthered her piano studies and she became an accomplished pianist and organist and shared this talent throughout her life. After a year, she wrote to her former boss in Vancouver, asking if he still had a job for her. The answer was yes, so she moved to Vancouver. Shortly thereafter, she met the love of her life, Bill at an office bowling league. They were engaged in December of 1947 and were married on July 31, 1948. Due to the housing shortage after the war, their first home was a tiny studio apartment in Vancouver and Beth devoted her time to Bill in their home. Their first child, Diane was born in September of 1950, and they moved to their new home in Burnaby the following year. Their son, Michael was born in June of 1953. Beth was always active in her church, her community, her children's schools, and her lodge, the order of the Eastern Star. Beth was a social butterfly and enjoyed camping and socializing with their neighbors and friends. They built a house and moved to Aldergrove in 1978 when Bill retired and enjoyed traveling around the world together. Following Bill's death, Beth moved to Winfield in June of 2000 to be closer to Diane and family and was active in the local church, Tai chi, and bridge groups. During that time Beth continued to pursue her love of travel, visiting Alaska, Las Vegas, Panama, Japan, China, South Africa the South Pacific, and many other places. In 2016 Beth move to the beautiful Lakeshore Place Retirement home in Kelowna where she enjoyed daily walks by the lake, scrabble games, and time with her family and friends. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy in her life. Beth was predeceased by her husband, Bill in 1996; her parents, Mayme and Charles Evans; her siblings, Lester, Doris, Kenneth, Glen, and Floyd. Survived by her daughter, Diane (Heinz) Brand; son, Michael (Evelyn) Elder; grandchildren, Melanie (Alan) Varughese, Sarah Elder, Eric Elder, and Caitlyn Brand; great-grandchildren, Naomi, Dahlia, and David Varughese, LillaBeth Brand, and Kian Elder Malik. Also survived by her sisters-in-law, Betty Rose and Mildred Elder in Ontario and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews across Canada.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, October 25th at Everden Rust Funeral Services, 1910 Windsor Rd Kelowna. Due to gathering restrictions, the number of attendees will be limited. If you wish to attend, please RSVP info@everdenrust.com. If you are unable to join in person, you may join online via live stream. In lieu of flowers, Beth has requested donations to the heart and stroke foundation.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.everdenrust.com
Arrangements in care of Everden Rust Funeral Services, 250-860-6440.