August 25, 1927 - December 17, 2020
Beatrice Anton, 93, passed away peacefully on December 17, 2020 at Halcyon House. She lived independently until August of this year. She was ever capable, ever confident, and ever beautiful until her final day. She embraced all new technologies, including an iPad she purchased this July! She loved keeping up with everyone on Facebook and through email.
The youngest of nine, Bea was born to Hilda and Anton Steenhoff on August 25, 1927. Their family moved to Nakusp in 1929 from Saskatchewan. Their Dutch heritage was always honoured and the family was close knit. In her world, elders were respected and siblings and friends were treasured.
Dedication to her community began early as Bea trained as a nurse and later as an Xray technician. She served, cared for and mentored generations of patients and colleagues at the Arrow Lakes Hospital for 50 years. Her reputation for kindness, reassurance and discretion was rivalled only by her work ethic. She never complained about 2 a.m. call outs to the hospital. She felt privileged to work alongside the staff she so admired.
It wasn't all work and no play, of course. Bea had a large group of friends. And there are stories... She was an excellent bridge player and she continued to play throughout her life. She was an avid reader, especially enjoying historical works. One of her greatest joys in life was to swim in the Arrow Lakes from May 24 through to the long golden days of September.
In retirement, Bea continued to serve her community through giving hospice care, training candy stripers, leading fundraising drives, helping with political campaigns and fact checking at the archives.
She was a church elder who gave comfort to all who sought it. In her final years, one could find her on her scooter on the waterfront regaling passersby and tourists with the history of her dear town. In 2001 she was awarded Citizen of the Year and in 2012 she was honoured with the Diamond Jubilee Medal. She truly was an ambassador for Nakusp.
Bea was predeceased by her beloved son, Jack and by her loyal husband, Tom. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, her grandchildren, her great grandchildren and her many nieces and nephews for her strength, her love of nature, (especially hummingbirds), her infectious laughter and her generosity of spirit. She leaves us with an impressive legacy, for which we are grateful.
Bea's family would like to thank her medical team, the staff at Halcyon House and her many friends and colleagues who loved and supported her throughout her long and purposeful life. She cherished you all. A celebration of Bea's life will be held in 2021, when we can gather again.
"Come sit with me awhile and share stories of running barefoot on the boardwalk in this town I love so much."
- Bea Anton (from her bench on Broadway)