Beatrice Church

Beatrice Church
December 20, 1932 – May 20, 2026

Beatrice Rosina Church (nee Greaves) passed away on May 20th, 2026, surrounded by her children Christy, Joanne, Jeff and Valorie (daughter-in-law). Her passing was somewhat expected as she had been placed in palliative care in the Dryden Regional Hospital after a challenging few days in Thunder Bay Hospital.

She was pre-deceased by her husband Stan of nearly 70 years, son in-law Vince Scime, siblings Josie, Ted, Peggy, Tom, Gwen and Melva. She is survived by her brother Walter Greaves (Alice), children Christy Scime, Joanne Raven (Fraser), Jeffrey Church (Valorie). Grand children Sean McNeill (Allison), Matthew Scime (Jessica Symington), Lyndsay Bigley (Nicholas), Austin Church (Shayla), Amanda Rushfeldt (Daniel), Hayden Church (Hayley), and Brianna Raven, and three great grandchildren Colten and Piper Bigley and Callum McNeill.

Beatrice was born in Dryden but spent her early years in Osaquan before moving to Dryden in 1937 where she spent the rest of her 93 years. She attended school in Dryden completing her diploma at Dryden High School. She then went on to Success Business College in Winnipeg, Manitoba learning account managing and secretarial skills. This training allowed her to gain employment in 1951 at the Dryden Mill where she worked until 1957. During that time, she met her future husband Stanley Russell Church who she married on May 7th, 1954. Their life full of family, adventures and travel began with the addition of three children from 1957 to 1963.

Bea became a wonderful homemaker, challenging herself to create interesting foods that often contained the super food blueberries. (Who knew that it was these blueberries that would keep her sharp until the very end).

Beatrice returned to the work force in 1976. She took on one of the most important roles at the Dryden Hospital as Payroll Clerk. This challenging position had her involved in many union negotiations as well as helping staff navigate through sick leaves, absences and retirement. She was well respected in the organization and was missed upon her own retirement in 1989.

Beatrice and Stan shared many sports and activities such as curling, skiing, camping, fishing and they both were avid gardeners. Their gardening was a source of pride that both Stan and Bea worked hard to harvest. They also built 3 cabins together where Bea was hard at work clearing brush, peeling logs and everything else. She was an avid fisherman and to Stan’s chagrin, Beatrice always caught more fish than Stan whether it be in a boat or on the ice.

A zest for travel took them to Hawaii four times and Mexico twice. Once retired they would spend three months in Florida for the next eight years. After that they focused on travelling to see their grandchildren.

As a community member Beatrice worked diligently as a Lioness and later Lions member. Over her decades of service Bea attained many pins and vests to verify this passion. Bea was a favoured volunteer, always ready to serve. She maintained her Lions membership until age 93. Reading about their contributions on her iPad to keep up with their efforts. She was also a longstanding member of the Anglican Church. She volunteered at numerous teas and was always contributing to the Church bake sales.

She loved keeping up with the latest news, politics (trashing Poilievre), watching the Blue Bombers, the Jets, golf and curling. But make sure you never call during Coronation Street as she was a diehard fan since she got her first TV.

Beatrice always took great pride in the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren. Bea and Stan strongly believed in the importance of their children pursuing post secondary education. This was non-negotiable in their eyes. Subsequently her grandchildren were also encouraged to pursue the same success. The significant accomplishments of her grandchildren reflected her support and encouragement: Sean, Canadian Residential Appraiser; Matthew, Pharmacist; Lyndsay, Marketing and Communication Specialist/Business Owner; Austin, Civil Engineer/Business Owner; Amanda, Pharmacist; Hayden, Fire Fighter/Paramedic; Brianna, PhD Biology/Published Researcher.

Beatrice will be lovingly remembered as a beautiful, generous, kind woman. A wonderful mother and an outstanding Nanny who will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

As per Beatrice’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 1 p.m. at St. Luke's Anglican Church with Mardi Plomp officating. Interment will follow in the Dryden Cemetery.

Please join us via Zoom through St. Luke's Anglican Church Meeting Number - 89112314114 and use Passcode - 692037

Memorial donations may be made to St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 50 Van Horne Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2A9 or through Aurora Funeral Services.