Beatrice May Willard

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, stepmom, grandma, great grandma and loyal friend, Beatrice (Bea) Willard on May 22nd, 2023, in Vancouver, B.C., just 3 days after her 100th birthday. She was the youngest daughter of Andrew and Edith (Spencer) Johnston, both of Liverpool, England. Bea and her two sisters, Helene and Marjorie spent a particularly loving and happy childhood growing up in Vancouver, in spite of all the economic hardships of the time.

Bea attended Magee High School where she excelled, especially in athletics. She became involved in girls’ grass hockey, and was named captain of the team, which went on to win the B.C. Championship. Bea and her sisters also enjoyed skiing Grouse Mountain, and so in those days they would think nothing of packing their skis and a lunch and taking the ferry from Vancouver to the North Shore. From there they would ride a street car to Upper Lonsdale and then hike up to the ski hill, for the thrill of the downhill run.

After graduation, Bea went on to study Physical Education at UBC and UCLA. She returned to Vancouver to teach PE at Point Grey High, and it was there she met her future husband, William (Bill) Willard (Science Department, and who claimed he could not stop walking by the gym for another glimpse of the new teacher’s amazing legs). They married in 1948 and had 2 daughters, Barbara and Denise. The family spent many summers on Keats Island and the Sunshine Coast and there the girls got to share happy times with their half-sister, Naomi Willard. The couple shared 41 full and active years together in West Vancouver.

After Bill’s death in 1989 Bea began to travel, and travel she did; Europe, Africa, Central and South America and China. At age 90 Bea traveled to Turkey and managed to hike over the ancient Greek and Roman ruins of Ephesus, savoring every moment.

She became a dedicated snowbird, spending winters in Santa Cruz County, California with her daughter and granddaughter, helping out in every way she could (except cooking). She also spent part of many winters in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, which she came to love. There she made many friends and grew to embrace the color, the music, and especially the people, for their creativity and kindness.

Bea loved to impart her pearls of wisdom to her family, especially to her granddaughter. She was an avid gardener. She also spent many hours volunteering at Lions Gate Hospital gift store. In 1998 Bea turned to yoga to try to accept the most devastating challenge she would ever face; the sudden passing of her second daughter, Denise.

Bea was a strong yet gentle soul. Because of her ready laugh and beautiful smile, her compassion and generosity, she touched the lives of so many more people than she ever realized.

Bea was preceded in death by her two sisters whom she adored, Helene Demens and Marjorie Wight, her husband, Bill Willard, and her daughter, Denise Willard. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Willard (Joe Rodgers), granddaughter, Haley Willard Dempsey (Kevin Dempsey), great grandson, Lucas Dempsey, her stepdaughter, Naomi Sexsmith (George Sexsmith), step granddaughters Laura Sexsmith (Simon Horner), Leanne Sexsmith (Jim Girard) and four great step grandchildren, Andrew and Mark Horner, and Alexandra and Jessica Latta.

A private Memorial Service will be held on June 23, 2023 at Capilano View Cemetery.