Beverly Jean Butcher

BEVERLY JEAN BUTCHER. It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear mother Beverly (“Bev”) Butcher (nee McLaughlin). Beverly passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning at the Charleswood Care Centre after a short decline. After years of living an independent lifestyle in her own apartment with her beloved dog “Bonnie”, she spent only weeks in the facility where she was cared for by wonderful staff who connected with our strong willed mother and made her time there as happy as possible.

Mom was born to Norval and Jennie McLaughlin and was the youngest of the siblings, with sister Muriel Jennie and brother John (“Bud”) Earl always there to lend a hand. Her mother’s family, the Woodfield clan, was a big part of her early years and there were many Woodfields since Mom’s mother Jennie had 12 siblings. Many happy memories of time spent with aunts, uncles and cousins were shared at family gatherings, and her extended family was a central part of Mom’s whole life.

The tragic loss of her father Norval when she was just a child, was something Mom carried with her. However in spite of this, she was a happy and active girl who made long-lasting friendships with several of her classmates. Following graduation from high school Mom was employed by the Canadian Pacific Railway and worked for this company for 9 years. She left the CPR in 1953 shortly after she married her husband, Herbert (“Bert”) John Butcher and the couple welcomed their daughter Linda in 1957 and son Doug (1959) a few years later. In 1963 the family moved from Winnipeg to Montreal so Dad could pursue his career with Air Canada. While in Montreal they took advantage of opportunities to enjoy family vacations in other countries, most notably Barbados and England. In later years holidays with adult children and grandchildren were sources of enjoyment for Mom.

Mom was a creative woman and an excellent seamstress and knitter. She branched out to become a skilled ceramist, and taught ceramic lessons to other women in the neighbourhood. Mom also enjoyed singing and performing with the Sweet Adelines, especially in quartets. During her time in Montreal she could also be found part-time at the Eaton’s store where she worked as a clerk.

In 1981 Mom welcomed grandson Chris (Campbell) and later in 1986 granddaughter Jenny (Campbell-Krocker). She and husband Bert lovingly cared for both children and Courtney Ross while their parents worked. Mom also had time for her many pets, and there was always a dog in her life. She also cared for her husband, Bert, during the early stages of Alzheimers.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Bert, her sister Muriel and brother Bud. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Paul (Nehra) and Joanne (Butcher) and grandchildren Chris and Jenny (partner Mike). She will be missed by them and by many nieces, nephews and friends, some of whom lived in her apartment block on St. Anne’s Road.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who helped Mom remain independent. Mom was especially fond of Dr. Quy Doan at the St. Boniface Clinic who provided her with excellent care. We would also like to thank the staff of Unit 1 at Charleswood Care Centre for their warmth and kindness to our Mom during her time with them.

It was Mom’s wish that there not be a funeral, and so a private graveside service will be held in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Butcher family.