With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Vera Mary Beischer of Victoria, BC on March 17, 2022 at the age of 96. Vera was born on August 3, 1925 to Annie and Ernest Palmer in Calgary, AB and moved with her family to Victoria in the mid-1930’s. Vera attended Sir James Douglas, Cedar Hill School, and graduated from Mount Douglas High School on Cedar Hill Road. Vera married William Beischer in 1945 and they raised their family in the same house that she called home until shortly before her passing – having lived on the same street for close to 85 years. In addition to their four children (Joanne, Barbara, Susan and Billy), Vera was a foster parent to 64 children over many years.
Vera’s greatest love was her family. She enjoyed music, learning to play the piano later in life and was a member of the City of Gardens Sweet Adelines Chorus for many years. At home she could be found tending to her menagerie of animals including cows that she milked well into her eighties.
Vera was predeceased by her parents, daughter Sue, husband Bill, sister Dorothy and brother Alfred. She is survived by her children, Joanne (Bill) Sanderson, Barb (Peter) Huonker and Bill (Joslynn) Beischer; grandchildren Shannon, Wendy, Andrew, Crystal, PJ, Jillian and Candi; ten great-grandchildren; brother Roy Palmer and many extended family members and dear friends.
A celebration of Vera’s life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Vera’s favourite charities: Victoria Humane Society or Victoria Eldercare Foundation or a local charity of your choice.
Mom, Gramma, Nana was much loved and will be greatly missed
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Lindsay Fleming
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Sally Chan I will always remember Vera’s stories and straight-up honesty as we car-pooled to chorus practice. And when visiting to drop off corn husks and cobs for the cows we would be greeted by Tippy and Maya, her beloved canine companions. What a pleasure to have known Vera!
My sincere condolences to the family on your loss.
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Elizabeth DIxon Joanne, Bill and all the Family
My sincere condolences. I know your loss is huge, from all the wonderful photos you have shared over the years, showing the love you all shared.
Joanne Bill and family my thoughts are with all.
Liz, Zack and Erik Dixon xxx
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Wilda Dirks A wonderful neighbour and friend for many years. Vera, our various dogs and I enjoyed many a walk along the trails near Bow Park. There was never a time that Vera did not have a smile and kind word to say. We had some good laughs too. A very special lady and a life well lived. My condolences and sympathy to all the family.
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Max Miller To Bill, Barb and Joanne (reverse order cause I’m the baby). Please know that as a neighbourhood kid and friend I always appreciated that your Mom was always there on the hill, and we all loved her cows. I knew in later years to appreciate that she overlooked and cared about my Grandma across the street and neighbours in “the hood” were safe and welcoming. Your Mom added to that! Cheers and HUGZZZZ to you all, Max.
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Jim Nolan So sad to hear of the loss of Vera. I met her only during the short period of my visit to Canada but heard much by email. What I hadn’t heard was about her fostering and for this she must have many others with fond memories of her life.
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Peter G. Huonker She was a beautiful and generous: lady, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend, who loved life and had a wonderful life. She loved her family and her family loved her. She was a loving mother-in-law too. She’ll be fondly remembered and missed by her family, and friends.
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T & R Fetherstonhaugh Joanne & Bill and families, our sincere condolences on the passing of your beloved mother, sister, Gramma & Nana, Vera. We were honoured to meet Vera on several occasions during our visits from Australia. Vera was a beautiful person who has lived a full and fruitful life. We know that she will be greatly missed by her families and all who have been fortunate to share some time with her. Vera will be remembered with love.
Trevor & Raylene Fetherstonhaugh.
I’m so so sorry to read about Mrs.Beischers passing.
I have gone to visit her over the years, my mother Mickey Fleming and Vera were the same age, Vera pointed out she was 2 months older.
On my Mom’s 93rd birthday, I picked up Vera and surprised my mother for her birthday.
We had a great time reminiscing at our house on Simon Rd and the Palmer store.
I really liked talking to her. She will be missed