Beatrice Katherine was born on August 10, 1926 to John “Jack” William and Jeanette (Jeanetta) Christina (Simmermaker) Boylan in Minto Township. Her mother was raised Lutheran and her father in the United Church.
Being the eldest of six children, Bea quickly learned the art of caring for people and perfected her housekeeping skills. She also learned at an early age, living in poverty, that if you wanted something, you darn well had to go out and work for it. Liking nice things, Bea knew she had to work to get them.
Bea was raised in Mount Forest where she attended both the Victoria Cross Public and Wellington Heights Secondary Schools. Once Bea completed high school, she went to Toronto to work as a nanny and personal support worker.
Bea met and fell in love with Lloyd Allen Long, a young farm boy from Dromore. They were married December 17, 1946. The young couple bought a farm in Boothville and started their family. Alan was born in February of 1948 and David joined the family in February of 1949. In 1955, Hurricane Hazel destroyed much of the family’s crops and the Long family soon moved to Toronto.
While in Weston, Lloyd drove truck while Bea worked as a head cashier at Loblaws. After a few years the couple moved north to Richmond Hill. In 1963, the Long family moved back north and this time took up residence on a 100 acre parcel of land outside Desboro. Here, the couple resided together until Lloyd’s death in 1998 whereby Bea remained on the farm until early 2016.
Upon their return to the north, Lloyd continued to encourage Bea to further her education. She soon landed a job as a client rep for Grey County Social Services. Bea continued to push herself and in time moved up to a Supervisor’s position which she held until her retirement in 1990. In her retirement years, Bea enjoyed spending time with the Desboro Seniors and was involved with the preparation, design and funding aspects of Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the Chesley Library and was once a member of the Markdale Hospital Board.
Bea loved animals and cats in particular. However, one indoor cat at a time was the limit. Over her lifetime there were three special individuals; “Shy,” “Blacky,” and “Goldie.” Bea also loved to read. She would read any book she could get her hands on but particularly liked murder/mystery and author Agatha Christie. Books not only acted as entertainment but acted as another source to further educate herself.
She loved to garden and especially enjoyed caring for all her beautiful flowers. Her love of flowers was not limited to only the real ones, as Bea also had a large collection of artificial floral arrangements which she enjoyed as well. Likewise, since she lived in a log cabin she was always delighted when she could find another knick knack to help decorate and compliment her home. Daily, Beatrice would do at least one crossword puzzle. Always using a pen, not a pencil, there were very few mistakes. The Owen Sound Sun Times and Globe Magazine crosswords were her favourite. Christmas was never complete without Bea receiving a crossword puzzle book from family.
Bea loved to visit Philadelphia where her sister Agnes lived and spent several winters in Florida with Lloyd. Believe it or not, Bea also loved to attend the Exhibition in Toronto. Her first trip was with her mother and she continued this tradition though the years, eventually taking her granddaughter.
She was an old fashioned cook – in other words a really good cook and enjoyed hosting the family during the holidays. Another pastime for Bea was her game shows. She loved them! Most evenings started with Jeopardy, followed by Wheel of Fortune and then off to bed with a good book, often not turning off the lights until midnight.
In 1995, Alan built a home beside his parents to help them out while still granting them their privacy and independence. With Alan close by, Bea was able to remain in her home until early 2016 when she transitioned into McVean Lodge in Hanover.
Sadly, Beatrice Katherine Long of R.R. #1 Desboro, passed away at McVean Lodge, Hanover on Sunday, November 6, 2016 in her 91st year.
Beloved mother of Alan (Val) of R.R #1 Desboro and David of Owen Sound. Bea will be sadly missed by her grandchildren, Michael (Geraldine) of Crossfield, Alberta and Cathi (Nathan) Parrish of Meaford. Lovingly remembered by her great grandchildren, Rachel (Kyle), Megan, Billy, Adam, Connor, Madison and great great-grandsons Koltyn and Rowan. Bea was predeceased by her husband Lloyd and siblings.
Visitation will be held at Rhody Family Funeral Home, Chesley on Tuesday from 7 – 9 p.m. where a funeral service celebrating Bea’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 1 p.m. Interment in Holstein Cemetery.
Memorial donations to the Chesley Hospital Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.
