Obituary of Beverly Colwell
Beverly Culham McQueen Colwell
1924-2023
Beverly Colwell passed away peacefully February 18th in Kingston in her 99th year. A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Bev lived (and loved) her entire life focused on family and friends. Much loved wife of Dr Bruce Theodore Colwell who predeceased her. Mother of Rob (Alevia), Jane (Corrie), John (Kathi), David, and Cathy (Joe) McAllister. Proud Grammie to Alevia Anne Colombell (TJ), Alison Colwell (Fabrice), Andrew Lichti (Miki), Rebecca Lichti, Corinne Hallett (Andrew), Robert Colwell (Beatriz), Renata Colwell (Peter), Juliana Colwell, Matthew McAllister (Michelle), and Evan McAllister. Beloved GiGi to Alevia Marie, Robert (RJ) and William Colombell, Payton and Deacon Hallett, Adriana and Violet Lichti.
As the last of her generation she is also remembered by nieces Laurel Bates (Tom), Sue Slomer (Ted), Beverly Matthews (Gavin), Brenda Vance and nephews John Hamilton (Linda), Warren Wain (Joanne) Milford Wain (Sharon), Wendall Wain (Joanne), and Gary Colwell (Marilyn), Culham and McQueen cousins in the Cambridge area, and multiple great-nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her sister Margaret and brother-in-law Roy Hamilton, nephew Spence and niece Anne Hamilton Booth (Bob) and multiple Culham and McQueen cousins. Predeceased by Dad’s brother Emerson Colwell and wife Margaret, Dad’s sister Jean Wain and her husband Norman Wain, nephews Ronald Colwell, Eldon Colwell, and Brenda Vance’s husband Lloyd.
Mom was born in Galt, Ontario, and grew up in London, Ontario the daughter of John (Jack) Goldie McQueen and Myrtle Viola Culham McQueen. The family was active in the church life at First St Andrew’s United Church in London, and welcomed many service members to their home. Both Mom and our Dad studied at the University of Western Ontario and were married June 12, 1947 shortly after Dad graduated as a Doctor (MD) and Mom as a Registered Nurse (BSc). Mom was a member of Pi Beta Phi and cherished her life-long friendships with her sorority sisters. They lived briefly in Ottawa while Dad completed his medical residency and Mom became a VON nurse before starting their family. She was an equestrian and accomplished pianist (ARCT). She passed on her love of music and the joy of riding to her family.
Bruce and Beverly were residents of Kingston for most of their married life after Dad became a Radiologist at Hotel Dieu Hospital. They hosted many staff parties welcoming new Radiologists and technicians to the community. Mom and Dad were early members of St Andrews by the Lake United Church and active members of the congregation in the choir, served on many committees and hosted events at 2 Park Crescent. The neighbourhood Bridge Club were also frequent visitors to their home and was a place which always provided respite for family and friends visiting the area. Neighbourhood friends (Walkers, Elliots, McBrides) were like second parents to us, and Mom and Dad to their children as well, providing a wonderful support network and a great place to grow up that we all appreciate to this day.
As a co-founder of Neighbourhood Sharing Mom helped many of the less fortunate in our community and is remembered by many she helped in their time of greatest need. She was awarded the Ontario Volunteer Service Award. Mom and Dad modeled this sense of responsibility and compassion for those around us for their children and lived it every day of their lives.
Bruce and Bev loved to travel and enjoyed many international trips together and as a family travelling both Eastern and Western Canada. She leaves behind friendships from around the world – a world that is now a little smaller from her loss. After retirement Mom and Dad enjoyed their winters at Green Turtle Cove in Florida.
Upon leaving 2 Park Crescent in Point Pleasant, Mom moved to the Royale Place Retirement Residence where until very recently she swam every day, played bridge, continued with the In Good Taste Supper Club and was the ambassador to new residents.
Cremation entrusted to the James Reid Funeral Home (ww.jamesreidfunearlhome.com). Memorial donations may be made to. St Andrews by the Lake United Church (1 Redden Street, Kingston, Ontario, K7M 4K7 or (613) 389-8082), Heart and Stroke or the charity of your choice.
