Wendy Cecilia Beavis (nee Warbanski)

Wendy Cecilia Beavis (nee Warbanski) was born April 9, 1954 at Children’s Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba. She is predeceased by her parents Marty (1974) and Hildur (2005), and brothers Brian (2018) (Gail, Michael, Danielle), and Joseph (2022) (Barb, Taisha). Wendy is also survived by her brothers Rick (Bev, Scott, Jana, Mark), Greg (Daisy/Darlene, Misha, Stefan), and Mike (Shelley).

Wendy, the 4^th of 6 siblings was born into a boisterous, loving, and busy family. From the family farm near Dufrost, Manitoba, the family moved to 908 Moncton in East Kildonan, Winnipeg. Despite this move in November 1957, the farm continued to be central to the family for another 20 years. Being the only girl of 6 children presented numerous challenges. Wendy was physically able to play wide receiver, or drive the truck or combine on the farm. When chasing annoying younger brother Joe, it was noted that she was much faster, but he cornered better. Despite having a short fuse at times, Wendy always demonstrated a loving disposition toward her family.

In regards to other physical pursuits, Wendy was fond of skating, downhill skiing, and hiking. From a very young age, however, Wendy gravitated towards reading as a solace, an escape, and a way to pursue her education and varied interests. Being the most voracious reader in the family, she introduced some of her siblings to Tolkien, Heinlein, Asimov, Herbert, and others. Wendy made her way through the education system with stops at St. Gerard’s elementary, Morse Place Junior High, St. Benedict’s Academy, and Kildonan East Regional Secondary School. Later in life, Wendy pursued a career in nursing.

The most notable outcome of her first marriage was the birth of her son Sascha Byrne in 1980. Wendy and Sascha stayed with, and kept an eye on Hildur while living at 908 Moncton, the family homestead, during the early ‘80s. After a courtship with the charming and talented local guy, Ron Beavis, they were married on August 15, 1987. Thus began an extended chapter of world travel and many adventures.  

Ron’s work as a physicist took the family to various locations over the years. From Landshut (near Munich, Germany) to New York, to Newfoundland, back to New York, to Indianapolis, to Winnipeg, to Vancouver, and finally back to Winnipeg. Starting her nursing education in New York, Wendy graduated as an RN at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland. During her nursing career, Wendy worked in a number of settings in the community, or on the medical wards while in Newfoundland, New York, Indianapolis, and Winnipeg.

Along with her siblings, Mike and Joe, Wendy was often directly involved in the caretaking of Hildur, their mother, over several decades.

Music always played an important part in Wendy’s life. She worked up to a grade 10 level in the Royal Conservatory system. Playing piano brought her much joy. Wendy also greatly enjoyed singing with her siblings, Mike and Joe, and performed with them on various occasions. Later in life, she joined and performed with the Winnipeg Labour Choir and Margaret’s Choir, enjoying the creative and social outlets these provided.

The last 10 years of her life were not kind to Wendy and she finally lost her battle with lung cancer on Thursday, June 20^th. Stoic, and courageous to the end, she seldom complained. Instead, she just revelled in the company of family and friends. Always the Queen Bee, holding court with friends and/or family over coffee and a muffin was one of Wendy’s preferred activities during her latter years. She was also quite diligent in checking up on those she cared about and would have long, meaningful conversations about what was going on in one’s life. Whether it be about politics, music, or current affairs she was always ready with an opinion.

 At her 70^th birthday party she received the fulsome attention and love of her family. She will be greatly missed by her son Sascha, husband Ron Beavis, and the rest of her friends and extended family.

There will be a Celebration of Life in Wendy’s honour at the Unitarian Church at 604 Wellington Crescent (NW corner of Wellington Cresc. and Maryland/Academy Rd.) on July 16^th from 7 to 9 p.m. Please bring your stories. 

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Winnipeg Humane Society.