Obituary of Rosalie "Lea" BEATSON

February 14, 1928 – Canora, Saskatchewan
December 27, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Lea Beatson of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, December 27, 2020 at the age of 92 years.

Lea was born on February 14, 1928 in Canora, SK. Lena Panchuk was the youngest of seven children of Susie Mihaychuk and Wasyl Panchuk. She headed to Winnipeg after high school to look for work. Back in those days, there was still discrimination against the name "Panchuk" so she changed her name to Rosalie Paige.

Lea met the love of her life, Gilbert (Gib) Beatson, in Winnipeg, whom she married in July 31, 1954.They had their first child, Jennifer Kim in January 1956.　 When she was eight months old, they moved to Calgary, where Gib was offered a job in a small architectural firm. Geoff was born in 1959, followed by Greg in 1961. They were the only two boys born on the Beatson side, so very special.

Lea was a very devoted and self-less mom.　 As the children got older, she became involved with the Allied Arts and the Women’s Canadian Club and numerous other volunteer activities. In the late seventies, she worked as a travel agent and she and Gib went to China, Africa, Poland and Russia, to name a few.　 They loved to travel.

In 1968, they bought property at Shuswap Lake, where Gib built his "dream" cabin and they spent every summer there enjoying family time. They also enjoyed Manzanillo, Mexico and had a beautiful condo there for over twenty years. Lea loved to cook and would incorporate some of her Ukrainian heritage into her repertoires.　 Every Christmas Eve, she would make the special "meatless Ukrainian" twelve course meal.

Lea loved to play badminton in the Ladies Ladder at the Glencoe Club and enjoyed the social aspect just as much as the physical exercise. She also participated in several bridge clubs and loved playing card games. After Gib passed away in 2008, Lea moved into Carewest in Garrison Green. She stayed their there for eight years and then transferred over to the Bethany Riverview in September of 2018.

Lea is survived by her three children, Kim (Don), Geoff (Kate) and Greg; as well as five grandchildren, Laura, Kevin, Julie, Patty and Ryan, who were her pride and joy. Lea lived fulfilled life and will be missed by many. Love always Mom.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Lea’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Lea Beatson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.