Beverly Anne (Bender) McDonald

Beverly Anne (Bender) McDonald, 79, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Dec 15, 2025, at The Chinook Intercare Hospice in Calgary.

She was born at Calgary’s General Hospital on May 23, 1946, to R.H. (Bert) and Mildred (McGuckie) Bender. Their third child, Bev, grew up with two caring older brothers, Charles (Chuck) and T.M.M. (Mac).

A graduate of both Crescent Heights High School and the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology she enjoyed being involved in heyday Calgary oil patch. This, however, led to trouble when…

She married Robert McDonald and they had one child, Michael. A silver lining to the union with Robert was its making Beverly the Bonus Mum to three dear children: Mary Lou, Diane and Brian. Sins were slowly forgiven as Michael had a small role to play in Beverly becoming a grandmother thrice over: Ava, Shae and Declan McDonald brought joy to Bev beginning in 2009.

A warm friend and even better mother, she showered children, grandchildren and pets with adoration. Several pets welcomed her in December including Tia, Katie, Tiffany and Lucky the three-legged wonder dog.

Predeceased by her father, mother and husband, she is survived by Mike (Meghan) and stepchildren Mary Lou, Diane and Brian and their better halves; along with the three lights of her life.

Bev is also survived by an extended Bender and McGuckie clan including Chuck (Roberta), Mac (Sharon) and nieces, nephews and their families.

The family extends their infinite gratitude to Bev’s wonderful neighbours Pieter and Ana (Ansie) Dietrichs; to her friend of many decades, Maureen Thompson, and recent friend additions including Michelle Zanini; as well as to health care teams throughout Calgary. Your care, kindness and companionship were felt from afar and set many hearts at ease.

A funeral service will be held after winter ends, in Calgary. Then she will be laid to rest in Fairmont, BC - at Evergreen Cemetery, beside Bob in The Valley where she enjoyed life with friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, please seek out and thank a care aide and a nurse. If donations in Beverly’s name are preferred, please help your local SPCA or hospice - hers was hoping for coffee pods for staff and clients.

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