BEV OWENS

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BEV OWENS It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dearest daughter, mother and grandmother, Beverly Dianne Owens (Tomalin). Bev was born in Portage la Prairie on July 24, 1953. She was predeceased by her husband Burt Owens and her mother Donna Tomalin. She leaves to grieve her passing and to celebrate her life, her father Reg Tomalin, her son Chris Owens, daughter-in-law Paula Mellen and granddaughter Chelsea Owens, aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Bev attended Fort la Reine and Prince Charles School and completed her grade 12 at Portage Collegiate Institute. She married Burt Owens on August 18, 1972. Together they raised their very active son Chris. While raising Chris, Bev attended the St. Boniface College School of Nursing where she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1975. Bev worked at St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon while Burt was obtaining his Conservation Officer Diploma. They later returned to Portage la Prairie where Bev worked at the Portage General Hospital. Bev suffered the sudden and tragic loss of her husband Burt in 1979. She and Chris carried on bravely with the constant support of her Mom and Dad, family and friends. In 1981, Bev became the Nurse at the Provincial Correctional Institute in Portage la Prairie. She was a strong supporter of the rehabilitation of incarcerated women and implemented the program where children stayed with their moms, the institutional Mother Child Program. Bev was appointed as the Deputy Superintendent of the Correctional Institute. She was then appointed to the highest level of responsibility as the Superintendent, until her retirement in 2009. Bev was honoured with an Exemplary Service Award from the Governor General of Canada. This award was presented to Bev by the Honourable Philip Lee, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba. She also received the Meritorious Service Award from the Premier of Manitoba for her nearly 29 years of service to the Government of Manitoba. Bev participated on Boards of Investigation for the Correctional Service of Canada. She was a member of the Portage Golf Club and the Portage Curling Club. She considered that her highest achievements and rewards were the birth of her son Chris and her granddaughter Chelsea. During her mother's illness with cancer, she nursed her until her passing. Bev's stoic tolerance of the suffering caused by the cruelties of the cancer was truly admirable. The family expresses their sincerest thanks to Dr. Jim Price, Dr. Brett Finney, Nursing Staff and all other Health Providers for their expert and compassionate care. Also thanks to Aldene Moroz of Sunset Palliative Care for her thoughtful support. It makes all the difference. A celebration of Bev's life will be held at the 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at the Herman Prior Centre 40 Royal Road N., Portage la Prairie with a reception to follow. Donations in Bev's memory to Sunset Palliative Care Incorporated, Box 92, Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A7 , Central Plains Cancer Care Services, 318 Saskatchewan Ave. East, Portage la Prairie, MB., R1N 0K8 or the Portage and District Hospital Foundation, 524 Fifth Street S. E., Portage la Prairie, MB, R1N 3A8 would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to RONALD MOFFIT MEMORIAL SERVICES

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 15, 2015