Obituary of RICHARDA (REX) MARIANNE BEATTY

RICHARDA (REX) MARIANNE BEATTY (NEE MERK) It is with great sadness that on Tuesday, February 28, 2017 at Actionmarguerite (Taché) Richarda passed away at the age of 100. Richarda is survived by her daughter Florence Novak (Kenny); 11 grandchildren Suzanne, Heather, Chris, Colin M., Derrick, Colin D., Steven, Ken, James, Jason and Daniel; brother Verne (Irene); sister Dona; and many beloved nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by daughter Marliyne Thelma Miley; 5 sisters Anne, Peggy, Barbara, Connie and Mary; 3 brothers George, Joey, Mickey; parents Anton and Angelina (Bulloch) Merk Mum was born on a farm near Vibank, SK. Her friends called her Rex because she was a very good baseball player. We loved to hear the story about taking her little brothers and sisters for a ride in the old Model T. When she was left in charge her mother would say “Richarda! don’t cook and don’t cut hair” – remember she was 12 years old. She loved her little brothers and sisters and cared for them. Mum moved to Regina to work. She met and then married George David Beatty in 1941. Dad was a Staff Sargent during the War. Later he worked for CN Railroad and they were transferred to Thunder Bay, ON and finally, for mum, to Winnipeg, which she called home for the rest of life. Our mother was beautiful and very stylish and made sure the Beatty girls looked smart when they stepped out the door. Regina was her home and we made many trips by train over the years from Winnipeg. Mother kept a special place in her heart for her “American Cousins” so visits there were very special. Mum was her happiest around family with lots of food and lots of lively conversation. Her door was always open. Mum’s grandchildren were the light of her life. Her wish for all of us was to be healthy, happy and “gainfully employed”. From the moment you were born she loved you all. Mum accepted with dignity her fragility as she grew old. To be able to celebrate her 100th birthday was such a blessing to her family. She was such a gracious hostess. Richarda now joins her Heavenly family-so ‘till we meet again –we love you! The family would like to thank Actionmarguerite especially the staff on 5AB for their compassionate care of mum. You were her earthly angels. She always felt safe and protected in your care. Prayers will be said on Sunday, March 5 at 6:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main Street. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, March 6 at 10:00 a.m. also at the Chapel. Interment to follow in Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Richarda’s memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.