Beth Bains Foley

February 11, 1920 - October 31, 2017

Beth Foley of Coronach, Saskatchewan, passed away October 31, 2017 at the Coronach Health Centre.

Beth was a farm girl all her life. She was one of six children. All six, over the years, were born in her mother’s bedroom on the farm south of Semans, Saskatchewan. Each of these births was usually attended by local midwife, Mrs. B. After the birthing event was complete, Dr. C. would drop by to check on the newborn’s health. Dr. C. would then celebrate the “blessed event” by having a few drinks and would spend the rest of his visit chasing the midwife around the house.

Beth’s Dad had come from Newcastle, England when he was 18 years old. He built a sod shack and spent his first summer breaking land with horses and a walking plow. Beth’s Mom came from Liverpool, England to work in a local hospital. Beth’s folks married at Govan in 1917.

As World War II began in the late 1930’s, Beth was part of the Clear Lake High School Tap Dancing Troupe. This troupe of six girls in white military uniforms sold Victory Bonds by performing on stage at regional movie theatres for a few minutes just before the show started. Additionally, three of Beth’s brothers; Richard, George and John fought in World War II for its entire duration.

Beth rolled into town on the C.P.R. passenger train in August 1940. She never left until now. She was 20 years old and had come to teach at Hart School, which was located 10 miles north of Coronach. She met Martin Foley at one of the school dances at Hart school. Beth and Martin were married at Fife Lake on November 4, 1942.

Beth and Martin were active in 4-H clubs, the Coronach Credit Union Board, curling and other sports events. Beth enjoyed farming, gardening, canning, quilting, picking berries and the Art Club.

Additionally, she somehow managed to be a member of both the Catholic Women’s League and the Anglican Church Women simultaneously for many years.

For eleven years, Beth was secretary of the Coronach Drop-In-Centre while Andy Giraudier, who succeeded her at Hart School historically, was President.

Beth travelled to England a couple of times and did enjoy the occasional trip south in the winter, especially to locations where she could loot the casinos with friends and neighbors from the Coronach area.

Beth was very involved in the lives of her loving sons and was extremely proud of her three grandchildren and their accomplishments, talking about them to anyone who would listen.

When her health failed in December 2015, Beth moved first to the Ross-Payant Nursing Home in Assiniboia for several months before transferring to the Coronach Health Centre. She received excellent care at both facilities. While her health permitted, she enjoyed socializing with fellow residents and participated fully in the Heath Centre’s activities. In the evenings, she looked forward to a little game of cards.

Beth reached out and fully embraced her life. She was a warm, loving wife, mother, grandmother and community member who cared a lot about people of all ages.

Beth was predeceased by her husband Martin Foley (deceased in 1991), her parents Arthur Bains and Meta (Laughlin) Bains, infant son Dale, sister Dorothy Henry/Berry, brothers John Bains, George Bains, Richard Bains and Norman Bains.

Left to mourn are her three sons: Conrad of Burnaby, Barry of Coronach and Bryan (Rosemary) of Quill Lake. She will be sadly missed by her three grandchildren: Tyler of Quill Lake, Megan (Mike Hiltz) of Calgary and Ryan of Quill Lake, as well as numerous relatives and many close friends.

The Funeral Mass was celebrated at Coronach Catholic Church on November 10, 2017. Father Dennis Remot was Celebrant with Father Joseph Strohoffer as Co-celebrant. Servers were Kali Buckler and Ashton Rousseau. Linda Poirier performed a series of beautiful musical selections during the service. Rosemary Foley read the Tribute. Megan Foley read the First Reading. Gail Foley read the Responsorial Psalm. Molly Korbo read the Second Reading. Archie Foley read the Prayers of the Faithful. Pallbearers were: Brian Wrolson, David Brenner, Jim Foley, Rick Cairns, Greg Foley and Jason Korbo. Following interment in Coronach Municipal Cemetery, the Coronach C.W.L. organized an impressive lunch and social hour at the Coronach Drop-In-Centre. Memorials were received for the Coronach & Area Health Centre. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com