Obituary of Shirley Beattie

Shirley Arlene Beattie, born December 31, 1927, passed away peacefully January 17, 2021, with her loving family by her side. Shirley was born on the family farm in rural Saskatchewan to Stella and Archie McTavish, and was the fourth child in the family of eight children. Shirley spent much of her childhood years in Mossbank, Saskatchewan and Mount Forest, Ontario before Archie moved his family to the Peace River Country and they settled in Dawson Creek in the early 1940s. Soon after, Shirley met Stuart McKay Beattie and they married in 1945. They purchased the lot next door to Shirley's parents, Archie and Stella, where they built their home and lived for over 40 years. Stuart and Shirley were blessed with five children; Randy, Brenda, Scott, Bobby and Bonnie who were fortunate enough to grow up in the same house alongside their grandparents. After Stuart's untimely passing in 1981, Shirley's love for her children allowed the family to overcome life's challenges. Shirley supported her kids with love and encouragement, and lead by example. A hard worker her entire life, Shirley sometimes juggled three jobs to make things work. Shirley did everything with modesty and grace, and inspired her children to react to challenges with kindness and compassion. Shirley was a long standing member of Eastern Star as well as a member of the Daughters of the Nile. Over the years, Shirley formed many lifelong friendships and many newer ones. Shirley's love of laughter and quick wit was well known, and her company was enjoyed by all. The family home was always bustling with children, their friends and anyone who needed somewhere to stay. Shirley and Stuart welcomed family members and friends alike into their home whenever the need arose. This house was brimming with children and laughter which brought Shirley great happiness. Shirley loved a full house and came up with many strategies to have it continue, like an impromptu painting of the home or long winded goodbyes. Shirley treasured her children and when the grandchildren started to arrive, she made sure each one was included in the family fold. This tradition continued for her great-grandchildren as well; Shirley's love for her family was simply boundless. Every generation of the family has many, many fond recollections of outings to Moberly Lake and Shirley always had a way of making them memorable. From listening to small children tell her stories of wonder to making sure there was enough food and beds to go around, Shirley wanted everyone to feel welcome. This continued over many decades, and Shirley always took pleasure in having her family and friends at the lake. Even in her golden years, we enjoyed Shirley's presence there. Shirley was predeceased by her parents Stella and Archie McTavish, her husband Stuart McKay Beattie, her brothers Glenn, Howard, Murray, Carson and Marnel, her sister Mavis Parker, her son Robert (Bobby) Beattie, and her grandson Lynden Beattie. Shirley is survived by her sister Lois Srala; her sisters-in-law Vernice McTavish, Maxine McTavish; her loving children Randy (Eileen) Beattie, Brenda (Barry) Herman, Scott (Kathy) Beattie, Bonnie (Darcy) Pearson and daughter-in-law Pam Beattie; her adoring grandchildren Kristen Beattie, Jenna (Tyler) Beattie, Jessie Lee Herman, Connor Herman, Kyle (Chantelle) Beattie, Erin (Will) Walsh, Bryce (Kirsten) Beattie, Darian (Simone) Beattie, Kaden Beattie, Brett (Ali) Beattie, Brittany (Zack) Pearson and Riley Pearson; and her beautiful great-grandchildren Paisley, Grayson, Tucker, Thatcher, Olivia, Charlee and Daxton. Shirley will be laid to rest with her husband, Stuart Beattie, at the Dawson Creek Cemetery. Interment will follow at a later date.