Beryl Elsie Zajonskowski

Beryl was born in London, England and endured the hardships of war before immigrating to Canada as a young war bride. After starting a family in Ontario she moved to B.C. where she had one more child and worked hard for many years, retiring from MacMillan Bloedel to enjoy the rest of her years with her husband Albert.

She is survived by Albert, her loving husband of 30 years, and a blended family of five children – Susan Parent, Tom Bennett, Barb Bennett, Debbie Zajonskowski, and Rico (Frederick) Bennett, as well as a large extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents Ernie and Lilian Yearsley and her sister Joy Gigun, but still enjoyed sharing time with her two remaining sisters, Audrey Milford and Barb Nielsen. Her health declined in recent years, but her devoted youngest son Rico and his wife Kelly provided care and comfort in their home until her dying breath.

Beryl was a friend to many, but mostly to her family. Just before she left us she made a point of thanking her immediate family individually, but she also made it clear that she has "no favourites" and wants us all to continue putting family first. She was very intelligent and kind with a generosity of spirit. People loved talking with her as she with them. Many considered her a mother and grandmother figure, the "Queen Mother" of our family circle. We were all fortunate to have had her in our lives and will miss her terribly.

Beryl made her own arrangements in advance, which by choice did not include a service. Although she could not foresee the pandemic and made this decision simply because she didn't want the fuss, her decision also protects the people she cared about most. The family would like to thank Dr. Erfan Javaheri and the nurses of Nanaimo Home & Community Care for their assistance in fulfilling Beryl's desire to remain at home. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation or the charity of your choice.

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