Beverly Ann Coppens

Following a brief battle with cancer, Beverly Ann Coppens, aged 56, passed away on May 22, 2016, at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, with her devoted mother Carole Tinkler and brother Donn by her side.

Predeceased by her father, Firnie Coppens (May 1980), and brother Jamie (August 1963), Bev leaves to mourn her loving mother Carole (Nee Simonson) Tinkler, with whom Beverly has always had an exceptionally special bond, and her Step-Father Brian Tinkler, Brother Donn Coppens and Sister-In-Law Alice Schellenberg and family; Nicole and Brenden Dufault (Arienne), Kayla Coppens, Spencer Coppens, and Ridley Coppens. Step-Sister Dana Dandeneau and Brother-In-Law Duane Dandeneau (Jordan, Jonah, Raya) Step-Brother Dale Tinkler and Sister-In Law Nathalie Allard-Tinkler (Emilienne, Sophie) and Step-Brother Dennis Tinkler and Sister-In-Law Selena Clausen and family. Bev will be dearly missed by Craig Jones, her devoted, very special companion with whom Beverly has shared her life and love.

Bev was born in Winnipeg on November 1, 1959, weighing in at 4 pounds 10 ounces. Bev spent her early years in Winnipeg before the family relocated to Fannystelle where she began her education. The Coppens family settled in the Fort Garry area of Winnipeg in 1967 and Bev attended the following schools; Ralph Maybank, Crane, Viscount Alexander and Vincent Massey Collegiate. Bev was always an “A” student.

Bev loved being a nurse. She graduated as a registered nurse from the Health Sciences Centre School of Nursing in 1980, and began a lifelong career which continued until her illness prevented her from continuing a few months ago. Bev spent the majority of her career working in the Emergency, Intensive Care, and Recovery units of the Victoria General Hospital, and more recently at Western Surgery Centre.

Bev was not only well regarded by her peers as a dedicated, sensitive, skilled, and knowledgeable caregiver, but also as a great ally to have in the trenches because she was gifted with intuition, compassion, and a wicked sense of humour. Many of her co-workers became and remained lifelong friends who rallied at the 11th hour to protect and comfort Bev and our family as she made her courageous, final stand in her indomitable, no-nonsense, “Bev” style.

Any mention of Bev must contain a reference to her furry, feline, friends; Jessie, Kessa, and especially her beloved, gentle, Tabby, who she loved dearly.

Bev avoided the spotlight and she was adamant about not having a formal funeral. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private internment.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Prenovault, and everyone at the Vic in Emerg, 4th and 2nd floors who provided palliative care, especially Bev’s closest friends, not surprisingly nearly all of whom are nurses. A very special thanks to Deb Waugh and Ellen Gilbert, two tireless, lifelong, soulmates who were there to protect Beverly (and Carole) during her journey.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Bev’s name to CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg Humane Society, or Victoria General Hospital Foundation.