Obituary of Arlene Margaret Beard

May 29, 1937 – Regina, Saskatchewan

July 15, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

On Saturday, July 15, 2023, Arlene Beard (nee Hall), passed away at the age of 86, in Calgary, AB. She lived a full and happy life and will be sorrowfully missed by her family.

Arlene was born, May 29, 1937, to Elizabeth and Mel Hall in Regina, SK.  She grew up there with her brother, Gordon, and extended family.  After meeting Bill Swedak through friends, she married, started a family, and moved to Calgary.  Arlene and her family would live across Canada in the years to come, moving from Victoria to Dartmouth and back to Calgary where they settled.  She worked various jobs including, realtor and executive secretary for the Oil and Gas industry.  She loved and cherished those days with her friends from the Desk and Derrick Club.

Arlene loved the arts and passed that love down to her family.  She listened to all types of music, loved live performances of musicals and theatre and supported local artists in buying their artwork.  Her great talent came through her poetry.  Words came naturally to her.  She could easily whip up a beautiful or witty poem for any occasion.

From her Remembrance Day Poem

“Before the sun lit up the sky

He still had many plans to try,

His heart was heavy though his will was strong,

He prayed the perils would not last long.”

Arlene also indulged in her love of art by travelling the world.  Portugal and Spain were among her favourites.  She enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing various cultures.  In her later years, she was content to stay home, curled up under a mountain of blankets, reading a favourite book on her kindle or watching a great movie.  Surfing the net or working on a crossword puzzle.  Always keeping her mind strong, when her body was no longer supporting her.

Arlene is survived by her daughter Dawn (Jamie) Sharpe, her son David (Joyce) Swedak, her granddaughter Kaitlin (Matt), grandson Nicholas (Tessa) Swedak and granddaughter Jordan (Adam) Munro, and by her long-time friends from the Desk and Derrick Club.  She is predeceased by her mother Elizabeth (Heron) Hall, father Mel Hall, brother Gordon Hall, her beloved Terrier, Maggie, her ex-husband, Bill Swedak, and many extended family members from Regina.

As per Arlene’s wishes a small celebration of life will be held at McInnis and Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, July 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the hospitality centre at the funeral home. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

The family would like to thank all of the nurses and staff at the Mayfair Care Center for taking such good care of Arlene over the last few months.

In living memory of Arlene Beard, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.