It is with heavy hearts that the family of Beatrice Dorothy Shelleau announces her unexpected passing on Thursday, August 20, 2020, a week into her 94th year. Born in Sault Ste. Marie, August 11, 1926, Beatrice, or Bea, beautiful and loving mother to Carol Jean, Thom (Donna) and Maureen (Bill), was honoured with her last wish to spend her remaining days in the tranquility of her own home. Surrounded by close family members and pets, she passed quietly, peacefully and gracefully, holding the hands of her loved ones. She was the devoted and loving wife of Johnny Shelleau, a precious daughter of Alfred and Lydia Eccles, loving sister to several siblings, including Bill (Gertie), Bessie (John), Lloyd, Abbey, Irene, George, and Edna. She was the loving Gramma of Derek (Denise), Jennifer (Chris), Jason (Tony), April (Dave), Autumn, Amber (Liam), Ryan and Mark, Great Gramma, Aunt and Great Aunt to many loved ones, and life long friends to June Soby and family, as well as the Giddings family. Bea will also be dearly missed by many close friends, in-laws, neighbours and extended family members.
She will always be remembered for her strength, independence and her unique wit and sense of humour. She loved animals, especially her cats, dogs and horses, and welcomed many stray or abandoned pets into her home. She made the best spaghetti and sauce in town and looked forward to the large family gatherings on Holidays and Special Occasions over the years. She enjoyed camp, swimming, traveling, bowling, golf, cross-country skiing, sewing, walking, the sky, the sun, the moon and stars, thunderstorms, the waves of Lake Superior, Pizza, Pot of Gold chocolates, and of course the many laughs over a competitive game of cards or cribbage with friends and family. In the summer she'd always be found relaxing in the backyard enjoying her flowers, garden and trees, while watching the chipmunks and listening to the birds with a cold beer in hand. She loved mystery shows, singing and country music, and was very fond of Willie Nelson and Loretta Lynn. She admired and respected nature and even loved bugs! Bea enjoyed holding many of the creepy crawlers during her visit to Entomica, especially the huge beetles and praying mantises, impressing the staff and other visitors! She always enjoyed her good luck at the casino and loved to celebrate her wins by letting someone else do the cooking at her favourite restaurant, Boots and Saddles. She never asked for anything yet was always willing to help anyone in need. She was kind and kind-hearted, but strong willed and carried herself with pride and dignity. She was sensible, direct and quite tough, yet sincere and empathetic. She kept her sadnesses to herself while healing others. She offered her time by canvassing for the Cancer Society every Spring and volunteered with many organizations to help those in need.
Thank you to friends and staff who supported her at the F.J. Davey Home during her stay, to the support workers and nurses who visited her at her home and to the staff of the SAH who helped her along the way. Also, a warm thank you to Pam, Vince, Tom, Bill, Christine, Karen, Lynn, Myrna, John, Wendy, The Wrona Family, Johnny's Family, and Joe and Chris who were very special people in her life and extremely supportive over the years. Thank you to Reverend Raymond Knight of Christ's Church for conducting her service and for his prayers and support through this difficult time. The Shelleau Family also wishes to thank the kind and compassionate staff of Arthur Funeral Home for all their understanding, guidance and support throughout this journey.
Friends are invited to Beatrice's Celebration of Life at the Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E 705-759-2522) at 11:00 am on Monday, September 28, 2020 (Maximum capacity 40 people, masks required). Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to the Sault Ste. Marie Humane Society or the Women in Crisis Center would be greatly appreciated. Please visit Arthur Funeral Home website obituaries to leave a message of condolence for the family.