Bernadette Beesley passed away peacefully with family by her side on December 1, 2016, at Royal Inland Hospital. She is predeceased by her parents Dr. Bernard and Marguerite Beesley.
Bernadette is survived by her sons, Derrick and Mark Harrison and siblings Cecelia (Tom) Burns,
Mary-Marguerite (Kirk) Johnstone, Tom Beesley, Maureen (Garry) Reynolds, Alan (Joanne) Beesley, and Kathleen (Phil) Bennett. She also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnieces.
Bernadette had a zest for life and the gift to make people laugh. She had a flair for all aspects of theatre, including acting, make-up, costuming, puppetry with children and storytelling. Bernie loved singing, especially around campfires at the family cabin.
After high school, Bernadette graduated as an LPN from Malaspina College and worked at Royal Inland Hospital for over ten years. Her passion was working in Paediatrics. She was also active in the Kamloops Hospital Employees Union. In 1990 increasing mobility issues resulted in her giving up her nursing career.
Despite limited mobility she a dedicated volunteer in many areas including Scouting as a Beaver leader and District Commissioner, sharing her knowledge and love of animals at the Shuswap Lake Provincial Park Nature House. She volunteered at A.E. Perry School, Operation Red Nose, KIBIT hockey and the 2011 Canada Games.
Bernie’s health slowly declined over the last number of years and despite all her troubles, she persevered.
