Beatrice Ann Mihalcheon

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother Beatrice Mihalcheon, known to all as Bea, at the age of 95.

Bea was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Ray and Isabel Strowger. Ray, a housing contractor and talented musician, sought work throughout BC and the prairies during the depression. This was a difficult time for Bea with frequent changes of schools and friends. During these early years her diminutive stature belied an indomitable will to stand up for herself, a strength she demonstrated throughout her life. As a teenager, Bea developed a love of acting and theatre, a career she surely would have pursued had she lived in more progressive times.

Bea met her lifelong love, George Mihalcheon, in Edmonton, spending glorious days visiting George in Yoho National Park where he held a summer job while attending the University of Alberta. They were married in 1952 and soon decided to move to Turner Valley to gain some newfound independence as a young married couple. Soon after, they moved to Medicine Hat where they raised a family during those idyllic years of the 1950s, 60s and 70s. Bea was involved in various community activities and became an avid bridge player, a talent she honed until her vision worsened.

After retiring to Calgary in the mid-1980s, she pursued many interests including book clubs, the Newcomer Club, her Bridge Club, flower arranging and gardening. She particularly enjoyed working with George on his exquisite stained-glass creations that continue to grace the homes of friends and family. Bea never relinquished her selfless love of family and did not shy away from sticking up for her children or those who were bullied. Good times or bad times, Bea never lost her great sense of humour.

More importantly, Bea always stood firm on her progressive, non-partisan ideals of personal integrity, social justice and the imperative of speaking the truth, sometimes to the dismay of those with different beliefs.

Bea was predeceased by her sister Corrine and beloved husband George. She is survived by her sons Garth (Donna Wachowich) and Kevin (Diane), her granddaughter Alysse (Jordan Tailfeathers) and great-granddaughter Libby.

Bea was dearly loved by her many friends and always took an interest in others, often beginning a conversation with “I met the most interesting person today!” She remained engaged with the wider world until her passing, listening to CBC radio as her vision failed. Even to the end of her days, Bea was always ready with a new book recommendation or a pointed comment on world events.

We thank Dr. Brandon Cai of Valley View Family Practice for his compassionate medical care and the excellent staff at Verve at Aspen Woods where Bea spent her last 9 years.

We will celebrate Bea’s life at a later date to be announced. Please stay tuned - it is sure to be a party that Bea would love.

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