MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
MacCoubrey Funeral Home Reception Centre
30 King Street East, Cobourg
Innerkip Cemetery
60 Main St, Innerkip
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Peacefully on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at Northumberland Hills Hospital, Cobourg, in her 101st year. Beloved wife of the late John(Jack). Loving mother of the late Donald (Annette Symanczyk) and Ruth (Dave) Keary. Cherished grandmother of John, Sam and Roberta. Dear aunt of Glenn. A funeral service will be held on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 1:00pm at MacCoubrey Funeral Home, Cobourg, with visiting from 12:00pm – 1:00pm. Reception will follow immediately after the service in the Funeral Home Reception Centre. Interment at Innerkip Cemetery on Tuesday June 25, 2024 at 1:00pm. Those wishing to may make a donation to the Nature Conservancy of Canada or to Doctors Without Borders. Condolences received at www.MacCoubrey.com.
Beth was born in the town of Bright, Ontario and grew up on a dairy farm in East Zorra, Oxford County. Her passion for nature surely began here. She loved to spend time reading a good book under a tree in the apple orchard. Life on the farm gave her a deep sense of responsibility, love, and respect for animals. She was active in the church from her earliest days, and her faith supported her throughout her life.
Beth was a force for women in her day, having a very accomplished and successful career as Executive Secretary to the Chairman and CEO of TransCanada Pipelines, Mr. James Kerr. She loved her job and all of the challenges and rewards that came with it. One of her greatest achievements was becoming president of the Toronto chapter of Executive Women International. In addition to a wonderful career, she had a busy home life raising two children and caring for elderly parents in her home.
Following the passing of her husband Jack, she moved to the community of Roseneath to spend more time with family and reconnect with the countryside. The lovely community of Roseneath welcomed her with open arms, and she became an active member of Club 39, Roseneath United Church, the Women’s Institute, and the local bridge group.
Beth was a kind and caring soul who devoted much of her time to helping others, and she made many close friends over the years. Her thoughtful kindness and selflessness will be dearly missed by all who knew her. We are forever grateful to have had her in our lives.
Her last year was spent at Legion Village in Cobourg in the VON assisted living program where she was popular with the staff. A special thanks goes to them for making her feel comfortable and cared for. Also, the family appreciates the care she received from St. Michael’s Hospital and the Northumberland Hills Hospital staff who made every effort to ensure she was comfortable in her final days.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Roseneath United Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Roseneath United Church
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Doctors Without Borders
My condolences to Beth's family on her passing. Beth had many interests. Conversations with her were thought-provoking. She was keen on Bridge and was enthusiastic about getting a group started in Roseneath. A wonderful hostess and a kind and thoughtful friend!
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Doctors Without Borders
On behalf of the Hartford Family, we send our sympathy to Beth's Family. She and my Mom (Marion), along with Gayl Nelson, Anne Parker, Velma Burley and Jean Morrow enjoyed many an afternoon playing bridge. Beth always had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eyes. May she rest in peace.
Beth was a special lady and a very special friend. I miss our chats and telephone hugs.
I wish to express my condolences to Beth's family. I miss seeing her smile as I enter the dining room here at Legion Village. I have many happy memories of Beth involved in the Roseneath Church, church suppers, Club 39 activities and especially the Car Rallies where we bcame lost more than once. Rest in peace Beth.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Our condolences to you all. A lovely lady that led a full life. Loved by family. I have fond memories of seeing Mrs B many times when visiting the house in Scarborough to see my good friend Don. She was always kind to me. It was wonderful to see her at her 100th celebration. Our thoughts are with you.
Beth was such a sweet lady. She always had a smile and something interesting to tell you. We enjoyed her company at Club 39 and the church where she spent much of her time with us. She will be missed.
My sincere condolences to the family. Beth was my kind neighbour and I enjoyed her friendship. It was a pleasure to help her with taking out her garbage weekly. Often, she would ask me in to have a cup of tea and her freshly baked cookies. I will miss her.
On hearing the news of Beth’s passing, my siblings and I all had a talk and marvelled at such a full rich life. Beth and our Mom were classmates and friends in public school. They’d each walk from their respective farms to school and were so happy to have other little girls to chum around with. Decades of friendship and letters followed as these remarkable women shared a lovely lifelong bond. Our deepest sympathies are extended to all who loved Beth.
Dear Ruth and family, My sincere condolences on Beth’s passing. She was the sweetest, kindest person with always a twinkle in her eyes. I was so happy to meet her at Roseneath United Church and to discover that she played bridge. Beth, Marion, Gayl, Anne, Jean and myself enjoyed many afternoons playing bridge at each other’s homes. Beth always treated us to her delicious baking. She was quite remarkable, helping out at church suppers and the fair, well into her 90’s. Hers was definitely a life well lived. Rest in peace Beth.
My condolences to Beth's family in the passing of this wonderful lady. I had the pleasure of her company at church events, Roseneath Fair activities and our bridge group. She was intelligent, kind, thoughtful and always smiling. Rest in peace dear Beth.
My condolences to Beth’s family.
A Memorial Donation has been made to the following charity:
Doctors Without Borders
Very sorry to hear about Beth. I met her through her Roseneath bridge group. She was a fun and lovely lady and a great bridge player.
Although I only knew Beth in the last year of her life I will remember her as a kind, caring and friendly lady who was always happy and loved to visit. Her cheerful attitude and caring personality made it a joy to speak to her each day. She will be missed.
Ruth, Dave & Family, Condolences to all of you at this time. Your mom was a kind soul who lived her life to the fullest. Shelley & Family
My sincere sympathy to all the family in your loss. Beth was my very dear friend for many years. I worked along side with her at Trans Canada Pipe Lines as her assistant and became friends from that time to present. I will dearly miss her love and friendship.
Sorry to hear of your mother's passing .SHe was a lovely lady and we with the women's institute will miss her .Rest in peace dear Beth
Condolences to Beth's family. We were blessed to have met her at Club 39, a wonderful warm caring person.
Our condolences to Ruth and family Beth was a lovely strong lady and a very good neighbor. Rest in peace Beth.
My condolences to Ruth & family. It was a pleasure knowing sweet Beth, and she will truly be missed.