Obituary of Beatrice Elizabeth Conley

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” - Psalm 91:1

It is with great sadness but the deepest gratitude to God for the gift of our Mom and for a life well lived, that the family of Beatrice Elizabeth Conley (Byers) announces her peaceful passing on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.

Mom had many gifts but the greatest of these was love.

The daughter of Elizabeth and William Byers, Beatrice was born in West Saint John on August 10, 1923 and was one of 12 children. Mom remained a proud “Westsider” her whole life.

Before she even turned 10 years old, she found her way to St George’s Church where her spiritual journey began. It was here, with the kind encouragement and guidance of Canon Haigh, her faith was nurtured and grew.

Her life, especially after her cherished husband Doyle passed, was filled with unconditional love for her family, friends and strangers alike. Mom always cherished her time with Doyle and her children spending summers at Oak Point and later at New River Beach for all the summer family reunions.

This tribute to Mom from a dear family friend who has known her for over 50 years, says it best:

“I honour your wonderful mother… a 101 ½ year old “spiritual veteran” of this earthly existence, who has helped so many people find a path to eternal life, not just by her words but through the way she has lived herself as a shining example, acting as the hands, feet and voice of Jesus.”

Mom always thought it would be wonderful to travel to the Holy Land to walk in the steps of Jesus. Once He placed on her heart that she could walk in His footsteps by spreading the Gospel of love to everyone she met along the way, which she did faithfully and gently in her own little corner of the world, she never longed for that dream again.

Mom especially had a heart of compassion and love for the downtrodden and those serving time in prison. Over a period of almost 50 years, Mom sent thousands of personally addressed hand-written letters to inmates, telling them about the love and forgiveness of God. Mom was also a faithful advocate for The Elizabeth Fry Association, visiting female inmates in the jail, which she did for 10 years. Mom and other members of her Church would also attend Centracare every Sunday afternoon for many years, taking patients to the Chapel so they could enjoy a Sunday service.

Mom loved many things. Mom was a “bargain hunter” always looking for a steal of a deal while thrifting, she bowled until she was 96 years old and attended many senior events with “the girls”.  But above all else she especially loved painting. With her great imagination and creativity she excelled at any craft she turned her hand to.

Her sense of humour, her joy for life, her eternal optimism and knack for always looking on the bright side of life was contagious. She always had a genuine smile that lit up the room, an encouraging word to lift a person’s spirits and a little gem of wisdom to share when needed.

Lastly, Mom greatly loved and was proud of all her children. She loved going on vacations and Autumn drives with Deborah. She was proud of William’s strong faith which he passed down to his children. She always looked forward to her yearly trips to P.E.I. and Walton, NS with Gail. She enjoyed that Pamela’s children were a part of her everyday life as they grew up. Mom was proud that Raymond inherited her Father’s skills of carpentry and ability to make things with his hands. And it was Elaine who got Mom hooked on thrifting at Frenchy’s.

Mom was the last living member of her own family and she was also predeceased by her husband Doyle and her firstborn daughter Elaine (David Anderson).

She leaves behind 5 children, William (Marilyn), Gail (John Tremblay), Deborah (William Hunter), Pamela (Wayne Blizzard) and Raymond (Michelle), 15 Grandchildren and 24 Great Grandchildren as well as many beloved nieces and nephews to carry on her legacy.

Mom has faithfully completed the work the Lord had for her to do here on earth and has now arrived in the place where she has been travelling to for over 101 years. It is because of her strong faith, a faith that she has also instilled in us, that we know with absolute certainty that she is safe in the Lord's arms and reunited with Him and all those who were anxiously waiting there with open arms for her to arrive.

We especially want to thank all those who have so faithfully upheld Mom and our family in prayer, and with so many other acts of kindness, throughout our journey.

We also thank all those who were involved in Mom’s care, including the Extra Mural team, Dr Paddock, and in her last hours, the kind and compassionate folks at Bobby’s Hospice.  

Arrangements have been entrusted to Castle Funeral Home with visitation being held at Good Shepherd Church, 668 Manawagonish Road on Sunday, April 6 from 4:00-8:00, and Monday, April 7 from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00. A celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, April 8 at 11:00am.

In keeping with Mom’s heart for souls, donations would be greatly appreciated by the family to “Every Home For Christ” (EHC), Smith Kingsmore Foundation or Church of the Good Shepherd.

GO LEAFS!!!