Obituary of Beryl Ivey

In the early hours of Christmas morning, in her 83rd year, Beryl Ivey died in her sleep of heart failure. She will be greatly missed by her husband Richard, her children Richard (Donna), Jennifer Ivey Bannock, Rosamond (John Macfarlane) and Suzanne Ivey Cook (Dan), her grandchildren Samantha, Alexandra and William Ivey, Olivia, Stephanie and Michael Bannock, and Dylan, Myles and Hayden Cook, and her brother Robert Nurse (Margaret). Born in Chatham, Ontario, Beryl was predeceased by her parents Lt. Col. W. Ivan and Beatrice Nurse, and her sister Audrey Wright. A celebrated athlete in high school, Beryl attended Brescia College at the University of Western Ontario on full scholarship, earning a BA, and then attended the Ontario College of Education. In 1949 she began a 58 year partnership with Dick in which they focused on raising a family, volunteerism, community leadership and philanthropy . As the children grew, she became actively engaged as a board member for many arts organizations including the Shaw Festival and the National Ballet School. A lifelong interest in gardening and extensive travel to exotic destinations with Dick led Beryl to become increasingly enthralled by, and concerned for, nature's great gifts. For more than forty years, through environmental grantmaking at the Ivey Foundation and leadership at organizations such as the World Wildlife Fund Canada, she stood up and spoke out for conservation and the protection of biodiversity. To round out her interests, for the last twenty years Beryl also devoted her considerable energy to the betterment of Canada's healthcare system through London based health care institutions, and to the advancement of education and research at The University of Western Ontario. Her devotion to volunteerism and philanthropy were recognized this year with her appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada. Beryl's kind and generous nature, impeccable integrity, intellectual curiosity and pursuit of excellence were admired by all who knew her. A private family service and burial will take place on her 83rd birthday, December 28th. A memorial service, followed by a reception, will be held on Friday January 11, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Paul's Cathedral, 472 Richmond St., London, Ontario. In lieu of flowers, a charitable donation to Foundation Western at UWO or London Community Foundation would be greatly appreciated . Condolences and memories may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com