Obituary of de Wolff

Beatrice Roberta de Wolff died peacefully at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary on Wednesday, December 6, 2006. She celebrated her 88 birthday, then developed pneumonia, and was surrounded by family, friends and music during the last week of her life. Bea was born in Vancouver, the fourth of five children of Edith (Minnie) and blacksmith, Angus McKenzie. She met Doug de Wolff 70 years ago at Normal School in Vancouver, reportedly across a ping-pong table. Their romance continued while they both taught in the B.C. interior, she in Mountain Ridge, Fauqier, New Hazelton and Smithers. They married in Banff on December 30, 1942, in the midst of WWII, and were each other’s best friend and partner for 64 years. Her two children, Alice and Bob, were born in Edmonton, and they moved to Calgary in 1952. She immersed herself in the growth of the congregation at Parkdale United Church, served a term as the general superintendent of the Sunday School, and was recognized by Calgary Presbytery for her years as a volunteer and coordinator of Hospital Pastoral Care. Bea had a mean ping pong serve, loved badminton, bowled at the Winter Club, was an honorary lifetime member of Confederation Park Ladies Golf Club, spent hours on the course at Valley Ridge, loved playing bridge, and was an Honorary Life Member of the PEGG Wives’ Club. She created a home where there was always music, young people, love and a cat or two. She will be missed by a large network of friends and extended family, including her husband Doug; her daughter Alice (Cori Sandler) and her son Bob (Louise Parsons). The de Wolff family wants to thank the staff of Unit 82, Foothills Hospital for the care and comfort they provided for Bea. A Memorial and Celebration of Bea’s Life will be held at Parkdale United Church (2919 – 8th Avenue N.W.) on Thursday, December 14, 2006 at 1:00 p.m with Rev. Jan Craig, Presider. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made, in Bea’s name to Parkdale United Church (Calgary) Foundation, (2919 – 8th Avenue N.W.) Calgary, AB T2N 1C8 or to the charity of the donor’s choice. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Beatrice de Wolff, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.