Devoted wife to Frank, loving mother to Melanie and Jamie, adoring grandmother to Kai, and close friend to many. We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Beverley Lynn Barrett.
Born August 20th, 1951, in Hucknall, Nottingham, England, to Alfred and Margaret Foster, Bev grew up with her seven brothers and sisters, John, Paul, Mavis, Joy, Sharon, Diane and Noelle.
Bev and Frank met one evening at a disco (all the rage then) at Eastwood Miners Welfare. Bev, having just returned from France where she had worked as an au pair for a French couple that spoke only French. Bev soon became quite fluent in French which was her aim in the first place. She was dressed in the French style and the difference in style caused Frank to notice and zone in on her…..the rest is history. A marriage and two children followed in quick succession.
In 1976, Bev and Frank decided it was time for a huge adventure and emigrated to Alberta, sight unseen. Bev was quickly unimpressed with the freezing cold climate and trailer park they arrived at, especially when noting the trailers were chained down the ground on all four corners. Found out the reason the following day that the trailer park was nicknamed Tornado flats by the locals. After a short stay in Grande Cache that Bev never wanted to talk about, plans were made to move further west to the warmer and sunnier climes of B.C. While driving thru Kamloops and seeing the city lights on the hills, she decided this was the next home for the family.
Frank and Bev quickly made many friends in Kamloops, and Melanie and Jamie’s childhood was spent with happy memories traveling to the Okanagan in the summers for soccer tournaments, and spending time with family friends. The Brooks’ and Maduik’s were huge parts of their lives and became extended family. The Barrett’s loved to entertain friends, and the home was a happy one with many gatherings at every holiday. Bev’s career took a few turns, first working in retail, then moving onto the Attorney General’s office, followed by the Restorative Justice Program at the RCMP.
Bev was a vibrant woman, who loved fashion, redecorating her house repeatedly (thanks to Frank’s handyman skills, her wish was his command!), gardening, gossip about the Royal Family, mussels and Rose wine from France. In her retirement, Nice, France was her happy place, and she and Frank spent many winters there, creating special memories with Melanie, Jamie, Tara and Akuffo and Kai. Bev also became an avid Zumba participant, sometimes showing off her skills after a glass of wine at family gatherings.
Bev will be dearly missed.
Please join the family to remember Bev at the Celebration of her life at 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 20, 2024 in the Kamloops Funeral Home, 285 Fortune Drive. Reception to follow. For those unable to attend, the Service will be available via online link at https://ipcamlive.com/5f98c1fdc1e47 The PIN to view is 1993.
Flowers gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so, may make a memorial donation in Bev’s name https://www.rihfoundation.ca/donate-now-memorial/
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3 Tributes
The sound of her sweet voice with be with me forever. I just adored her. With all my love Mel
My memories of Bev are those of a vibrant, stylish, fun and deeply loving person. Her love of family and friends extended to Melanie’s friends, as I always felt such warmth and curiosity from Bev, the few times I met her (or in the social media posts and comments we shared). My heart goes out to my long-time and dearest friend, Mel, and her family at this time. I am so sorry for your loss.
How I remember Bev
always beautifully dressed,so classy. bright clear blue eyes the most beautiful and delicate hands.I’ll never forget how absolutely thrilled that she and Frank were to find out they were to become grandparents. I’ll always remember our chats and messages to each other. you will be so missed Bev. love Tina and Stevexxlove