AMELIA DONALDA BESTLAND

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AMELIA DONALDA BESTLAND

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear sister Amelia (Amy) Bestland (nee Bereziuk) on April 12, 2025.

Born to Mary and Joseph Bereziuk on March 6, 1956, as the youngest of five daughters Amy was raised on the family farm in the town of Sundown, founded by her Grandfather. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Patricia, brothers-in law, John and Kent…and mourned by her husband Mark, daughter Robyn, sisters, Sonia, Joyce, and Joanne, brothers-in-law, Edward and Johann…five nieces and a nephew.

After graduating high school Amy lived with her sisters Joyce and then Joanne while attending the University of Manitoba for her Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) Degree in 1972.

After graduation she travelled Europe with a friend visiting London, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, France and the Canary Islands…which helped fuel her lust for adventure. Returning home, she then worked as a Social Worker/Manager for several years at the Seven Oaks Youth Centre where she took pride in helping children get off the streets and into safe homes.

She married her first love Darryl Cooper, at the age of 27 and two years later they had their beautiful daughter Robyn Cooper. After the marriage ended Amy then married her long-time friend Larry Gel who adopted Robyn. Together they made a home for Larry’s two children, Rick and Carrie, and Robyn… often also taking in other young people who needed a place for awhile.

Later Amy became restless (partly due to her struggle with depression) so she took safe haven in her mother’s home until moving to Red Lake, Ontario and began working in retail where she loved the interaction with people.

There she met and became fast friends with the quiet Mark Bestland, and after a few years together they decided to move back to Winnipeg and make a life together. Their marriage on July 11, 2015, was a lovely event and Amy looked stunning in her exquisite off-white gown and Mark in his Armani suit. They lived quietly together in Winnipeg for 10 years until her passing… enjoying time on Mark’s motorbike, their sailboat at Silver Harbour, and taking short roads trips. One of the highlights of her life was a beautiful trip to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico with her sisters to honour their Mother’s wishes that they enjoy a trip together after her passing.

In 2017 she was told she had a weak heart and had suffered a minor heart attack but that did not slow her down much. Although her body started to fail and she became frail toward the end…her highly intelligent mind endured.

To sum up Amy’s life she is best described as a “Free Spirit’ who lived in the moment. She loved fashion, always dressed up in style, was creative and loved making floral arrangements, decorating her homes with exotic things, music and dancing. She also loved and appreciated the on-going support she received from her close-knit family and friends…and especially Mark who made her last years comfortable and safe.

We love you Amy and know you are still dancing up there somewhere…

Cremation has taken place and announcement of Celebration of Life to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 26, 2025