Beatrice Elizabeth Grant

Age 83, of Bedford, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully Saturday, June 4, at QE II Infirmary, surrounded by her family. She carried on for her children, grandchildren, and friends, despite losing the love of her life at only 43.

She was born in Halifax, the daughter of Marie Louise Claire Juteau and Horace Edward William Steel.

Beatrice graduated from St. Patrick’s High School and Halifax County Vocational School and became a secretary for the Department of Education as well as Customs and Excise before leaving to start her life with Jim. After moving several times, the family settled in Waverley where Beatrice made an impression on the community. For more than twenty years she volunteered with the Waverley Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary and spent another decade with the Girl Guides organization, where she would become Area Commissioner. In addition, she made an enormous number of acquaintances and fast friends in more than a decade that she worked at the Waverley Post Office. Before retiring, she became the Acting Postmaster of the small but busy office. However, she pursued her creative passion with the Ceilidh Quilters, the 14th Palette, and in pottery instruction with Joan Smith of Dartmouth Road. She worked in oil, water colour, acrylic, clay, wool, lace, and other media.

She is survived by her sisters Florence (Dexter) Zinck and Lillian Marie Steel, her daughter Allison (John) Felix, and sons Peter (Marla) and Jim. She had four grandchildren, Mallory and Graham Felix, Miranda and Caden Grant, as well as seventeen nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband, Jim; four sisters, Shirley (Roland) Blanchard, Ivy (Harry) Marceau, Kathleen (Tom) Graham, and Veronica (David) O’Neil, as well as her brother John (Pam).

Visitation will be Sunday, June 26 from 2 to 5pm at J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax. A funeral service will be held Monday, June 27 at 11am, St Rose Lima Church, Fall River, Father Walsh presiding. A reception will follow at the Waverley Fire Department Community Hall. Interment will take place at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Nova Scotia or the Arthritis Society.

A special thank you goes to Father Owen Connolly who was at our mother’s side to give last rights. In addition, thank you to the nursing staff of the QE II Infirmary, particularly those on 7.2, who ensured she had a peaceful passing. Finally, an extra special thank you to Paru and the staff at Comfort Keepers.