Obituary of Beverley Spragge

BEVERLEY JOYCE SPRAGGE (HAND)

On Thursday, June 28, 2018, Beverley left her family and friends far too soon for all of us.  She left – mostly - on her own terms.  She had just bought a new car, gone to church, had lunch with a friend, and had enjoyed a quiet dinner with a glass of wine and an evening of British television.  After almost 83 years of living, she is gone.

When they were just young girls, Mom’s sister died.  It was a difficult time for Mom, and when her Dad was transferred for work prior to Mom completing high school, she chose to stay in Toronto. She moved in with another family, finished school, and then moved on to Ryerson. So began a fiercely independent life.

As a student at Ryerson and then at Teacher’s College, Mom lived in an all-women’s residence on St. George Street.  There she met her adopted sisters – Lorraine, Anna, Sandra, and the three Anne’s.  They would remain friends forever. More important, she met the love of her life.

Bev & John agreed to marry in 1960, but true to form, Mom had already planned a trip to Europe with a girlfriend, so the wedding had to wait until that was over – her independent spirit was part of what Dad loved about Bevy. 

Mom was a fashion designer, teacher and wife before becoming a mom to David and then Suzanne.  She spent time at home with them while also working part-time at Northern Secondary, obtaining a BA in Sociology from Glendon University and volunteering tirelessly for the Big Sisters Association.  She was a wonderful role model for all of us; intelligent, hard-working, generous, loyal, kind and strong-willed.

A third career came upon mom in the mid-‘80’s – she spent over 25 years as a successful real estate agent, first with Bosley and then with Johnston & Daniel.  This was the perfect career for Mom as it demanded all the skills she embodied; tenacity, dedication, wisdom, patience and a strong work ethic.

Friends – people – made Mom very happy.  Work, Group B, Big Sisters, the Church, Bookclub & Bridge, old friends, new friends, neighbourhood friends. Mom gained much of her energy and happiness from all of these relationships and she would say that she was lucky and blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful people.

Mom’s story is not yet complete.  John, David and Suzanne were almost her everything until the five grandchildren began arriving in 1994.  Daniel, Matthew, Brandon, Cameron and Lara made her happy beyond words, and she gained joy beyond belief from spending time with them – on their own, in groups, over the phone, on holidays.

Here are just a few of Mom’s favourite things; time with the family at the cottage or at a chalet in Collingwood, New Years with the Craigleith Crew, playing games with Lara, annual photos with the grandkids to mark how much she had shrunk, taking Daniel & Matthew out on the town or chatting with them on the phone, travelling the world with friends, and Sunday mornings at Lawrence Park Community Church. Most important though – always present despite being absent for the past 10 years – was John.

Mom, Grandy, Bev – we will miss you always and carry you with us in our hearts and memories forever.  You loved and are loved. 

A celebration of life and a reception will be held in Lawrence Park Community Church (2180 Bayview Avenue) on Saturday, July 21^st at 2:00 p.m.  If you wish, please make a donation to the charity of your choice – it’s what Mom would want.  Condolences, photographs and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com.