BEVERLEY GRACE SCHULTZ

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BEVERLEY GRACE SCHULTZ (nee KATANNA) It is with sadness and hearts full of love that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Beverley Grace Schultz (nee Katanna) on Monday, May 8, 2017 in Manitou, Manitoba. Beverley was born on February 22, 1947 and lived 16 years in Spruce Siding, Manitoba where she attended Whitemouth Collegiate until the family moved to Winnipeg in 1965, and she graduated from Glenlawn Collegiate. Bev will be deeply missed by her devoted, loving husband J. Patrick Esler, sisters Paula (John) Braschuk and family, Susan Katanna, daughter Tara (Jason) Fillion, son Tyler Lavery and his son Connor, Donna (Doug) Simister, daughter Dana (Stephane) Collette and their children Amelie and Evan, and son Reid (Jodi) Carruthers. Other family members include stepson Glenn (Connie) Schultz, a very special uncle George (Georgina) Lash from Wasaga Beach, Ontario, cousins Sandy (Bob) Johnson, Lauren and Matthew, Jimmy (Carol) Ilasewich, Lillian Britton, Ruku (Allan deceased) Ilasewich and Neisha. Bev had dear friends, especially Dorothy (Derek) Read, Hope (Dennis) Prystanski, Harvey Harrison, Neil (Loretta deceased) Proulx, and Alexis (Helmut) Kihn. Bev took great pride in the accomplishments of her nieces and nephews, and she was always a special "Auntie" to each and every one of them. Beverley was predeceased by parents Bill and Grace Katanna, Auntie Jean (Bob) Dalziel, Uncle Nick (Stella) Katanna, as well as her kind and loving in-laws, Laurence and Mina Esler, both of whom made her feel so welcome in their family. Bev had many passions in life and she was very talented. She was introduced to the restaurant business by Auntie Jean and Uncle Bob in her teens and later she was employed at Canada Post and MTS. This, and operating Augie's Esso east on Highway #1, highlighted her wonderful ability to deal with people. She developed many strong friendships, especially with long distance semi-truck drivers, which influenced her to become a semi-driver in a career that spanned 20 years. She drove with both skill and expertise, and although offered an instructor's position, decided to be "on the road" where she was truly happy doing what she loved! To know Beverley was a gift. She was a very caring person, with a great sense of humour, and always enjoyed a good joke. She was generous with her love, support and encouragement, making a difference in people's lives with her guidance, insight and wisdom. People were drawn to Bev because of her ability to listen, especially to those people with troubled hearts. As a result, she was known for her counselling skills at the University of Manitoba, St Benedict's, abuse shelters, and was a guest speaker on CJOB on many occasions. When not training and counselling, she loved listening to country music, driving her white 1965 T-Bird convertible, horses, and caring for many dogs over the years. She had a special bonding with each dog, and all had a special place in her life and heart. Bev was a talented cook, known for her butter tarts, deep dish apple pies and cabbage rolls. In 1988, Bev's life changed in a wonderful way when she met Patrick. They were blessed with 28 years together, in which time they shared the joys of life and made many memories. Together they reinforced that "On the journey of life, it's not where you are going, but who you are with that matters". Pat has always maintained "Bev is my rock...she makes every trip seem like a holiday." They were able to share their life on the farm, on the road driving semis, and their love for all of their special dogs who joined them in their travels. They especially enjoyed travelling to see Uncle George and Georgina in Ontario. Bev's health suffered a serious setback in 2003, but despite it all, Pat was there to support and care for Bev. Since 2009, Beverley has been a resident of Manitou Personal Care Home, where she has received outstanding care by the staff, and made many friends. Pat and her sisters will always be grateful for the loving care that she received while there. A celebration of life to honour Beverley will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 1311 Dakota Street on Friday, May 12, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. with Deacon Kris Taylor presiding. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private interment. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Winnipeg Humane Society, Nova House Women's Abuse Shelter for the "Dare to Dream Fund", or a charity of your choice. Wheatland Funeral Service 204-825-2848 - www.wheatlandfs.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 11, 2017