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On October 3, 2012 a beautiful, strong lady joined her beloved husband in Heaven.

Beatrice Warden was born in Gateshead, England May 6, 1921. She was the youngest of 7 children and attended Mount Vernon Anglican girls school until age 16.

At age 21 Beatrice was drafted into the British army as part of the Auxiliary Territorial Services (ATS) at the start of WWII. Her job was to take the co-ordinates determined by radar sightings and transfer them to the plotting room for the anti-aircraft guns. She was posted in the South of England.

In 1943 during Christmas, Bea was granted leave to visit her family. Upon returning via train to her army post, she was sitting quietly when a young handsome Canadian soldier came and sat beside her. This Canadian soldier was to become Bea’s husband, Philip M. Warden.

In 1945 their first child was born Philip S. Warden. In July of 1945 Philip Sr. was shipped back to Canada. Bea and their young son followed in July 1946. Their travels took them on the Queen Mary ship to Pier 21 in Halifax, by railway to Vancouver, then PGE to Quesnel.

Life in Quesnel was a drastic change from Gateshead. A cabin at Narcosli Creek was the first home, then in 1948 a move to a permanent home on 6 Mile Hill near Bouchie Lake.

The birth of two more children completed Bea & Phil’s family. Valerie born in 1947 and Karen in 1954. Bea spent many hours knitting for her children and later on for grandchildren and great-grand children.

In the early years at Bouchie Lake she was a participant in the Bouchie Lake Review, an annual concert held at the Bouchie Lake Hall. Later, Bea’s love of music was expressed when she became a member of the Bell Ringers. Her favorite volunteer work was with the Hospital Auxiliary where she joyfully spent time in the Gift Shop.

In 1978, Bea and Phil moved to town to reside on Murphy Street. They would spend countless hours watching tennis players and walked many a mile on the Riverfront trail with their beloved dog, Jock. Many friends would stop by for a cup of tea and a chat. Camping trips were planned as well as attending Veteran Reunions. It was customary for Bea and Phil to attend the Remembrance Day Services, and even in her 90th year, Bea attended the service sitting in a wheelchair, wrapped snug and warm in a blanket.

In February 2000 Bea’s beloved husband Phil passed away, and shortly afterward Bea’s tired body began to show signs of aging. Unable to live on her own for safety reasons, Bea moved to Wildwood Assisted Living in Red Bluff. Once again she formed many friendships and was always the life of the party.

Bea and Phil always made sure their children were well looked after and Christmas was always a special time. Parcels were sent to her family in England, and parcels also arrived here from “back home”.

Bea was predeceased by her husband Phil, mother & father, and five of her brothers and sisters.

Our mother will always be loved and remembered by her children Phil (Joan) Warden, Val (Wayne) Cave, and Karen Powell. Five grand children and 8 great grand children. Many nieces and nephews in Quesnel and England. As well as her many friends she has made over the years.

The family would like to thank Dr. Martins and everyone at GR Baker Hospital who made mom’s life as comfortable as possible. The staff and residents at Wildwood who’s care and undivided attention was more than any family could ask for. Thank you also to her very dear friends Myrna & Eileen, ladies of the Hospital Auxiliary, Legion members, and everyone who enriched Mom’s life with laughter and kind words.