Beulah Evelyn Haines (née Doane)

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother and Great grandmother, Beulah Evelyn Haines. Beulah passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 28, 2023.

Beulah is predeceased by her husband (Arden), son (Richard), mother and father (Hazel and Leslie) siblings (Allison, Henrietta, George) and three grandchildren (Tania, Austin, Baldwin).

She will be deeply missed by her 8 surviving children Sharon (Terry), Gary (Carolyn), Marilyn (Stuart), Dale (Dorothy), Bill (Linda), Debby (Rob), Cindy (Glenn), Dianne (Irv), 18 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren.

Beulah Evelyn Doane was born on April 2, 1928 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia where she spent her formative years.  Her home was on Argyle Street close to the ocean and close to the Temple Baptist Church.  Mom attended church on Sunday morning and again on Sunday night where she had many friends within the church youth group.  Mom’s best friend was Polly and she shared wonderful stories of the times they spent together.  The home on Argyle St was a warm and welcoming place.  Mom’s family hosted many dinners and socialized with the young service men that were posted in Yarmouth making them feel welcome when they were so far from home.  One service man stood out from the others; his name was Arden Haines.  Arden spotted Mom one day when he saw her walking home from work.  After many days of admiring her from afar he got brave and slipped her a note asking her on a date.  The note said that if she did not want the date then would it be all right if he could just watch her walk by.  She fell head over heels and the rest is history.  Mom and Dad were married in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia on March 19, 1945. They made the move to Dad’s hometown, Winnipeg Manitoba and their lives together began.

They lived in many areas of Winnipeg and the family grew to include 9 children.  Beulah’s life was very busy caring for such a large family. It took a lot of patience, organization and love.  Not only was she able to care for all of us she also welcomed many neighbourhood children when they came over for lunch or for a little visit.  Mom loved to bake, and we all will remember her famous gingersnaps.  Mom also loved pets, and this was not limited to conventional dogs and cats.  When we wanted to get an animal, she was always open to giving it a whirl.  At various times throughout our childhood we had birds, cats, dogs, horses, pigs, goats, snakes, chickens and rabbits.  She was often gifted pets and did not have the heart to turn away any animals in need.  Sundays were special on Highway 206. There was an open-door policy for weekly family get togethers, dinner always included.

Mom worked part-time throughout the years at various department stores such as Gambles , Clarks and Eatons.  Her last 17 years of employment were at the Safeway in Selkirk, Manitoba.  She enjoyed her job and loved talking to the customers and co-workers.   Everyone in the community knew who she was and would always go to her till for a smile and little bit of conversation.

Once Mom and Dad retired, they were able to enjoy a more carefree lifestyle in Kelowna, BC.  They had beautiful flowers and fruit trees on their property and lived close to the Okanagan Lake.  Mom being the social butterfly she was made many new friends within the community.  She had a soft spot for the elderly neighbours where she spent many hours visiting and assisting them with various tasks.  Mom liked to garage sale and she could often be seen hunting for treasures with her friend Katy.  Many of these treasures were lovingly shared with us.

Mom and Dad purchased a camper and a boat when they were in Kelowna.  They travelled throughout the Okanagan valley camping, sightseeing and visiting with family and friends.  Summerland was one of their favourites.  The 20 years in Kelowna were filled with many adventures, family visits and exciting times.

After Dad’s passing, Mom moved on to her next chapter in life.  In 2010 she moved to Saanichton, BC on Vancouver Island where she was surrounded by Sharon, Gary, Dale and grandchildren.  The island was beautiful, and Mom quickly settled in.  She lived in a cute cottage like home and later into the assisted living apartments at the Legion Manor.   Once again, this social butterfly spread her wings and became ingrained in the close-knit community.  Mom enjoyed Wednesday night bingo, Friday happy hour, Sunday hymn sings and various bus tours.  She loved to chat and could often be seen either in the laundry facilities, the recycling area, or even in the garden discussing the ins and outs of the small community of friends.  She loved getting involved and was always up for a bit of juicy buzz.  Family from Winnipeg frequently went to visit Mom and her door was always open to all. She had such a comforting quality, and her home was a place where you knew you were always welcome and loved.

Mom was healthy and able to live independently for 92 years.  When she needed more help in her day-to-day life, she moved in with her daughter Sharon who lovingly cared for her and helped her transition into Resthaven Lodge Sidney, BC.  The family would like to express our sincere thanks to the wonderful staff at Resthaven Lodge who cared for Mom during the last 2 years.

Mom was one of a kind and she will be sadly missed by all that knew her.  She was positive, caring and her love for life, friends and family always shone through.  “The world changes from year to year our lives from day to day but the love and memory of you shall never pass away.”

A Celebration of Beulah’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at 2:00pm, in the Sequoia Centre, at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC. A Graveside Service will take place at Brookside Cemetery, 3001 Notre Dame Ave, Winnipeg, MB, Friday, October 6, 2023, at 1:00 pm.  Reception to follow at West Kildonan Legion Branch #30, 1748 Main St., Winnipeg, MB.

To view the service, please click the video below:

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com