Tribute

Beverly Ann Stirrat

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Beverly Ann Stirrat on January 2, 2020 surrounded by her loving family.

Beverly was born in Vancouver B.C. on July 29^th, 1935. She was predeceased by her parents Henry and AnnPratt (nee Harcourt) and her siblings Harry, Barbara, Laura, Ken and Viola. Survived by the love of her life and devoted husband of 62 years, Matthew Stirrat. An incredibly caring mother to Ward&AnnStirrat, Nancy&GerryBarkman and beloved grandmother to Christina, Anastasia, Katie and Kendall.

Bev was born the youngest of six children and attended Douglas Elementary and John Oliver Secondary School before entering the Registered Nurse program at Vancouver General Hospital. Then in 1957, Bev had a special year;she graduated and became part of Canada’s first open-heart surgery team and married her childhood sweetheart.

Matt and Bev’s adventures had only just begun. They moved to Pouce Coupe, where she continued to work as an RN at the small local hospital of just 35 beds; and farmed 800 acres near the Peace River district. A time of skating on frozen lakes, working the land and making good friends.

In 1962, Matt and Bev decided to leave the simple life and move back to the city of Vancouver to raise their family. In true Beverly Stirrat nature, she worked at everything she did. She worked as an RN at Southland Medical, Woodwards Store and catering with her mother and sister (Laura). She was an accomplished cook and baker, always bringing together loved ones through celebrations, food and laughter, like the true matriarch she was.

Her heart always found a way to give back. She was an active volunteer all throughout her life; giving countless hours, energy and enthusiasm to places like John Henderson Elementary, John Oliver Secondary, Sunset Aqua Cats,Marpole Curling Club, Patient Partners, Mission Hospital, The Cottage, Mission Fraser River Heritage Park, Director of Hospitality Volunteers at the National Hearts Tournament and Coach for Jr. National Women’s Curling Team, to name a few.

Her passion for exploring new things led to a diverse set of hobbies including sewing, knitting, crocheting, lacemaking and painting. Her family and friendswill cherish the hand-made treasures made by with such love and skill. Her green thumb brought beauty to their garden in Vancouver and where she retired in Mission, aptly referred to as “Paradise Rock”.She made preserves from the harvest, filled the house with the scent of flowers and it was often included in the “Mission Garden Tour”. She could never walk past her garden without pulling a weed or picking a flower.

Her exploring nature brought her and Matt to many places(and friendships) throughout B.C., Hawaii, England, Scotland, France,Ireland and Australia. They loved to travel the road unknown, if they were together, it didn’t matter where they went. Beverly lived her life in similar fashion; she was always finding new roads to travel,adventures to go on, things to learn and people to help and love along the way. Beverly simply made everything beautiful. A wife, mother, grandmother and friend; she will be missed by all that had the honor of having her in their lives.

Send condolences to matthewstirrat1932@gmail.com