Beth Ducharme (Mom aka Great) of Kamloops BC passed away on February 17, 2014 at the age of 86.
Mom was pre deceased by her loving husband Slim Ducharme June 7, 1989; they were married for 43 beautiful years. They have 2 daughters Patti (Philip) Myran of Kamloops and Cheryl (Gary) McGillis also of Kamloops, two wonderful grand children Greg (Shelly) Ducharme of Kamloops and Gordon McGillis also of Kamloops. Mom has 1 Great Grand child Jocelyn, who was a constant joy for her.
Doug Boyle (great nephew) father of Danny Boyle (great great nephew) and his wife Reagan and their oldest son Gavin and 2 daughters Amelia, Jasmine all within the last year became a huge part of Moms life. She had not seen Doug and Danny for over 2 decades. For her to be re connected to them and their lovely family was a reminder of what she had been missing from her childhood home Haida Gwaii. Mom was the baby of 10 siblings, 9 sisters and 1 brother all of whom have passed away. Mom is the last of the original Rudge family. Mom was born in Sandspit Haida Gwaii June 25, 1927. Mom lived in Queen Charlotte City until her early teens when she moved to New Westminster where she took her Nursing training at Essendale and worked at St. Mary’s Hospital. Mom met her husband Slim Ducharme and they were married in 1946. They moved to Kamloops with their 2 children (Patti and Cheryl) in 1963 where Mom worked in the Carousel Laundromat for 20yrs.
As a young teenage girl from an extremely small town on a small island she longed to move to the big city. After Dad (Slim) passed away in 1989 she was only able to travel back to Haida Gwaii on 2 occasions due to her deteriorating physical health.
Mom spent her final 4 years at the Bedford Manor assisted living complex. Mom utterly loved living there with all of her new friends and taking part in her many daily activities. Mom always spoke so very highly of the absolutely wonderful staff at the Bedford Manor. A day never went by that she wasn’t thankful for being able to live out her last years on her own under her own steam. We want to thank from the bottom of our hearts close family friend Sharon Howrie for all her help and friendship to Mom and us as well as the professional caring staff at RIH Emergency, Laboratory departments and the staff on 3 West.
Mom was an extremely strong willed and determined woman who had many trying health issues but she never stopped battling and would refuse to give up. Mom passed away in her sleep at 11:15 a.m. February 17 with her loving family by her side. Mom missed Dad so much for so long; we know she is now with her beloved Slim in a warm embrace. We love you and will miss you Mom, Grandma, Great. Mom has requested there not be a service and would greatly appreciate you considering making a donation to the Kamloops SPCA.