Niven, Beverley
Niven, Beverley Jean Lillian
March 1941 - December 2020
With sadness we announce that our dear mother passed away peacefully at Grand River Hospital, Freeport Campus on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 in her 79th year, from complications due to recent stroke. Bev was preceded in death by her parents, Delmer and Lennette, and in March 2020 by her brother, Ronald (“Buddy”). She is survived by her brother, Gary, three sons, Mark (Linda), Randy (Trish), and Terry (Carla), four grandchildren (Sara, Richard, Derek, and Rebecca), cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Always with a curious mind and scientific disposition, Bev liked being outdoors, was fond of camping, loved to travel, and visited many exotic locales in her lifetime. An avid reader, she could also play guitar and paint portraits. Bev was a dog lover and was rarely without a canine companion, beagles in particular. She was also a passionate genealogist, belonged to several Genealogical Societies, and even published her own collection of work.
Bev became a certified Medical Laboratory Technologist in 1962 and enjoyed a long career in Immunology at McMaster University Medical Centre; around 34 years. Bev also strove to help others; as a volunteer probation and parole officer for five years, through her work as certified Therapeutic Touch practitioner, and as a committed supporter of several charities. She was also a dedicated Yogini (practitioner of yoga) and long-time member of Self Realization Fellowship.
Her children and grandchildren meant the world to her. Family gatherings around her dining room table were some of the best times in her life and ours. She will be remembered fondly and missed by family and friends.
Bev has been cremated and a Celebration of Life will be held for her at a future date. Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army or Inasmuch House (Mission Services, Hamilton).
An excerpt from her last letter:
“We fear death because it is a change, and because we may feel pain during the process. Sometimes this happens. The body must die of something. Pray only for God’s will to be done. I do not fear the transition, and I know the way. I have been blessed with knowing the continuation of the life of the soul. We are immortal children of the Divine. We are Spirit. We come from Spirit, and to Spirit we return. And we will come again. God bless you all.”
