Obituary of Beryl Deda

An audio version of Beryl's obituary can be listened to here

November 6, 1933 - Goodooga, Australia

February 24, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Beryl Deda (affectionately known as Kell or Kellie to her Australian family and friends), beloved wife of the late Peter Deda, and treasured mother to Charlotte, Kate, and Stephen, passed away in Calgary, on Saturday, February 24, at the age of 90 years.

Beryl was born in Goodooga, New South Wales, Australia on November 6, 1933. She was one of ten children born to Stephen and Charlotte Payton who managed a sheep station on Mooculta, NSW.

Beryl was trained in Sydney, Australia as a nurse and midwife, and not only did she have a passion to help people, but she also had a passion to see the world. She graduated from nursing school in 1955, and began her adventures in 1957, travelling by ship to Europe. After extensively exploring Europe and visiting Russia, she began working at a hospital in London, England. She then saw a nursing ad for an opportunity to work in Crystal City, Manitoba with four doctors. On arrival she discovered that it was a small rural hospital in a small town, not a city!

There she met and married Peter Deda, a charming, handsome, and hardworking farmer and businessman. They had three children, Charlotte, Katie, and Stephen. There was never a dull moment on the farm, raising children and livestock, crops, and large gardens full of vegetables and flowers. They spent much time skidooing, skating on the pond and creek, and skiing at Holiday Mountain in the winter. Any free time during the sunny, summer Manitoba days was spent at the lake, creek, and in the great outdoors. Summers were an especially busy time on the farm, and Beryl would take morning coffee, hot lunches, and afternoon snacks out to Peter and the farm hands in the fields, with children in tow.

Beryl was very active serving in the community and helping those in need, whether it be in her Anglican Church, teaching Sunday School to children, teaching various skills to the 4-H Club members, serving with the Roaring Lions, coaching young people in public speaking, and volunteering for the PC party. She had a special heart for seniors, and her home would often be the gathering spot for special afternoon teas and celebrations. Her famously delicious butter tarts and pavlovas with passion fruit were always a big hit. Her children were required to send the seniors cards on all special occasions—homemade of course!

Beryl had a love for culture and the arts, and her family would frequently travel to Winnipeg to see ballets, musical theatre at Rainbow Stage, and symphonies. For the local summer fairs, she would help her children prepare various crafts, baked goods, plants, and pets for different competitions. Her favourite pastimes were playing bridge, gardening, playing tennis, hosting dinner parties, reading, knitting, sewing, making wine, collecting stamps and coins, and doing crossword puzzles daily.

In 1976, after selling their farm, Peter and Beryl moved to Pincher Creek, Alberta, enticed by the ranch lands, mountains, and the then political party. After farming, Peter obtained his Real Estate Licence and worked with Chief Mountain Realty, while Beryl operated their small business, the Stardust Motel. Beryl loved their time in Pincher Creek, where she continued to contribute and be actively involved in St. John’s church and various aspects of the community, including the Roaring Lions Club. She also treasured her Australian and Kiwi community of friends. She loved escaping for canoe trips at Beauvais Lake, picnics at Beaver Mines, hiking at Waterton National Park, and horseback riding in the Foothills. In 2018 Beryl reluctantly moved from Pincher Creek to Calgary, to be closer to family.

Beryl will be remembered most as being a beautiful, dynamic woman, feisty at times, full of energy, with a wonderful sense of humour, always with a smile on her face, and who lived life with zest and zeal for as long as she was able. She seldom sat still, and usually had another adventure planned right around the corner. People’s lives were richer for having known her.

Beryl is survived by her two daughters, Charlotte (Michael) and Katie (Doug); and her son Stephen. Beryl adored her nine grandchildren: Daniel, Alexandra, and David Markus, Josh, Michaila, and Elisa Ivancic, and Grayson, Payton, and Talyn Deda; they all adored her as well and have many wonderful memories of time spent with her. Daniel and Alexa’s three children, Zayde, Zion, and Zara proudly made Beryl a great-grandmother. She is also survived by two sisters and three brothers, as well as many nieces and nephews in Australia and Canada. She will be deeply missed by them all.

The family would like to express their sincere and deepest appreciation to the staff at Age Care Seton, Cedars Villa, and Cambridge Manor, for their love and passionate care towards Beryl.

A Celebration of Beryl’s Life will be held at St. John’s Anglican Church (816 Main Street, Pincher Creek, AB) on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow. Please feel free to wear bright colours!

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Servants Anonymous Foundation, P.O. Box 46013, Inglewood RPO, 1233 – 9 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 5H7, Telephone: 403-237-0921, www.safoundation.com. Beryl cared deeply for this ministry and their commitment to assisting exploited women and their children around the world.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Beryl’s family here.

In living memory of Beryl Deda, and her passion for gardening, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-299-0100.