Obituary of Gwendoline Beer

BEER, Gwen B. Gwendoline B. Beer, on May 11th, 2009, in her 101st year, passed away peacefully at her residence. Loving wife of the late Ross E.D. Beer, sister of the late John (Jack), and the late Marion (Stanley-Clarke) Yeomans; mother of Dianne Bryant and Karl of Regina; Kim and husband Ron Breslin of Vancouver; Ross Beer and his wife Jo-Anne of Toronto. Grandmother to David (Flo) Bryant; Steven (Margaret) Bryant; Andrew Bryant (Lynn); Michael (Anya) Breslin; Michelle (Derek) Breslin; Chris Beer and Kevin Beer. Great-grandmother of Sarah, Katie and Nick Bryant; Alex, Thomas and Sam Bryant. Aunt of Douglas and Lorna Clarke; Joan and Ken Mattis; Lori and Brian Mattis. Longstanding member of the Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury, and Leaside Lawn Bowling Club. Gwen's life was full of activity and never boring. She met her husband Ross, a former track and field athlete, and together raised 3 children. Gwen took up hairdressing in the '40's. Having a very entrepreneurial spirit, she took a job with G.E. at the 'Exhibition' doing demonstration work. Later she took on a telephone sales position at the Robert Simpson Co. She then moved on to work in the classified department of the Toronto Telegram Newspaper. When the Telegram closed she moved on to the Bargain Hunter Press. Finally the lure of vacationing in Florida, and travel became her focus. Her favourite mottos were, 'Where there is a will there is a way' and 'Never give up!' She loved Florida, and for 30 years vacationed at Daytona Beach, where she and her husband Ross enjoyed lawn bowling, church, bridge, art classes and various social connections. After her husband Ross passed away in 1985, Gwen continued to enjoy Florida until 2001, when health issues kept her home in Toronto. Gwen loved painting and continued to write poetry and short stories as she had done throughout most of her life. Some of her poems and letters to the newspapers were published. Gwen was very religious and was brought up as a devote Anglican following the example of her grandfather Archdeacon John Langtry. Her strong faith and devotion gave her comfort, guidance and strength throughout her life. Gwen wrote her first novel for her friends at the age of 96, and then a second at 97. Her seven years at Leaside Retirement Residence was filled with new activities and friendships for which she was very thankful. Gwen was an inspiration to us all. She will be sorely missed. The family will receive friends at the HUMPHREY FUNERAL HOME - A.W. MILES CHAPEL, 1403 Bayview Avenue (south of Davisville Avenue) from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14. A celebration of Gwen's life will be held in ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY ANGLICAN CHURCH, 1847 Bayview Avenue on Friday, May 15 at 1:00 p.m. Interment Mount Pleasant Cemetery. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury or the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.