Jun 17, 1950 - Dec 13, 2017
After a courageous three-year struggle with cancer, Stella passed away with Doug, her best friend and partner of 40 years, by her side.
Stella was born in Pontefract, Yorkshire, England. Her family immigrated to Kamloops, BC in 1956. After many moves to communities throughout BC during her elementary and high school years, Stella attended the University of British Columbia and graduated with a Bachelor of Education.
Stella began her teaching career in public education in 1975 in the Abbotsford School District. From the very beginning, Stella excelled in meeting the needs of students with special needs. She worked in a school setting for a number of years before she took on the role of district helping teacher for Learning Support Services. Stella worked hard to support students, their parents, and her colleagues at schools throughout the district. She played a huge role in positively shaping the lives of children. Stella was well respected by those with whom she worked.
Stella was predeceased by her parents, Bob and Stella Beddow, and by her brother Tony. She will be sadly missed by her husband Doug, her son Chris (Irene) and her daughters Kim (Mike) and Kelly.
Also surviving are her brother Alan (Lynda), sister-in-law Lori, nephew Jason, cousin Colin (Denise), mother-in-law and father-in-law Cyril and Vi Holbrow, sister-in-law June (Ben) Garcia and her nieces Veronica (Tatton) and Vanessa (Dan).
Stella is being remembered fondly by her close friends; Dawn and Brian Beck, Betty Rennie, Pat Hawthorne, Leigh Howard, Mary and Ralph Johnson, Ann and Pete Pritchard, Mike and Teresa Jones, Kim and Kimberly Jones, Susan and Ivan Antak, Ruth Burgess and Marlene Sharman.
Also missing Stella are her canine friends, Doris and Billy. (Woof). Her fondest retirement wish was to have a Great Dane Rescue Centre where she could see "herds of them galloping on the open fields of the family farm".
Besides her fondness for her children and her animals, Stella enjoyed dinners with friends over the years and trips to Vegas and Reno.
The family extends a heartfelt thank-you to the staff at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre for their kind and compassionate care. A special thank you also goes out to Sue and Nat, for their support and the generous use of their island home. In the final months of her life, Stella appreciated the peace and tranquility that this environment provided.
As per Stella's request there will not be a memorial service. A private gathering of immediate family will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Stella's memory to the S.P.C.A. or to a local animal shelter.
€"Eeh by gum, Ah diva na hinny"