MacDOUGALL, Beverly Ann (Griffiths), RN
On Monday, October 2, 2017, Beverly peacefully left this world at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, surrounded by the love and kindness of her family and friends, at the age of seventy four. Beverly’s struggle over the last few months with illness was a difficult one, but her determination and strength in the face of adversity was a true inspiration. Some might say her New Waterford spirit shone bright.
Born in Florence, Cape Breton on January 17, 1943 and raised in New Waterford, she was the daughter of the late Margaret (Ness) Kiely and George Griffiths. She graduated from Sydney City Hospital School of Nursing in 1964 and had an illustrious nursing career in Cape Breton, Pictou County and later in Antigonish where she helped found the diabetic clinic. Beverly truly understood the fears and struggles of her patients and had such genuine care and compassion for all those she encountered. In the years since her retirement, the visits, cards and calls from those she served through the diabetic clinic were a testament to all she accomplished.
Her beloved Rocky won her heart at the Sydney Forum and they were married on March 22, 1968. Throughout their married life, they were a team unlike any other. Her support of Rocky’s professional boxing career and the decades of refereeing that followed brought them to various corners of the earth and made them friends around the world. When Rocky, her best friend, died in 2009, a piece of Beverly died with him. She missed him desperately and never quite got her spark back. What kept her going was the greatest joy in her life – her children and grandchildren who she adored.
Bev’s generosity and commitment to community expressed itself in her volunteering with the Canadian Association for Community Living; in her role as President of the Canadian Diabetes Association and in the many charities she supported.
She is survived by son, Sean (Nicole), Hantsport, NS; daughters, Stacey, Castlegar, BC and Jody (Stephen) MacIntyre, Charlottetown, PE, and grandchildren, Logan, Ayla, Avery, Lily, Caelan, Rory and Ashtyn. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Donnie (Theresa) MacDougall, and sister-in-law, Margaret (Jack) Carmichael, along with many nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 5 in St. James United Church, Antigonish, prior to Funeral Service at 2 p.m. with Rev. Peter Smith presiding. Burial to follow in St. Ninian’s Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the CACL or to the Canadian Diabetes Association.
Funeral arrangements under the direction of the C.L. Curry Funeral Home.
Online condolences: www. clcurry.com.