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(nee Smith)

Jan. 1, 1922 – July 6, 2010

Beryl Howard of Calgary passed away on Tuesday, July 6, 2010 at the age of 88 years with her daughter Judy and son-in-law Tom by her side.

Beryl was predeceased by her loving husband Leslie Howard on February 15, 2010, and she will forever be loved and sadly missed by her children Pamela Park (Jim), John Howard, and Judy Birkbeck (Tom); and grandchildren Trevor, Allison, and Neal Park. She was also predeceased by her parents Myrtle and Cyril Greyson Smith, and an infant brother.

Mum was born Beryl Greyson Smith on January 1, 1922 in Hammersmith, London, England, within the sound of Bow Bells, making her not only a New Years baby, but also a cockney! As a young lady, she joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force, and became a driver. Upon deciding that driving was not her forte, Beryl then switched to aerial photography. While in the WAAF, she began writing to a young serviceman stationed overseas named Leslie Howard, and they were married on February 3, 1945.

Beryl and Leslie, with their children Pam and John, arrived in Canada in 1954 on a British Army posting to Chilliwack, BC, that was to last three years. In 1957, the family, which now included baby Judy, returned to England, but had fallen in love with Canada. Later that same year, they returned to Chilliwack with Dad now in the Canadian Army, and Canada became their permanent home.

Mum was a full-time homemaker but found time for volunteering, gardening, bowling and painting. She liked to cook, had a healthy assortment of cookbooks, and the family were often the lucky recipients of her experiments! In later years, she enjoyed many cruises and trips to Reno, Las Vegas, and Calgary with Dad; and she was never one to turn down lunch with “the Girls”!

After living in Chilliwack for more than 50 years, Mum’s illness necessitated her and Leslie moving the Calgary in 2008 to be closer to Judy and Tom. At that time, she moved into the Beverly Centre Glenmore. Despite her many illnesses, Beryl bore them with dignity and determination. Beryl’s family would like to thank the staff at the Beverly Glenmore (including Max) for their love and support of not only Beryl, but her family as well. You became like another family to Mum, and for that we are forever grateful.

Rest in peace, dear Mum.

A Celebration of Beryl’s Life will be held at the Beverly Centre Glenmore (1729 90 Avenue S.W., Calgary, AB) on Monday, July 19, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. Please note that parking at the Beverly is very limited and street parking is recommended. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Flowers are gratefully declined. Should friends so wish, donations may be made in Beryl’s memory to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 – 32nd Avenue N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 112, www.diabetes.ca., or to a charity of the donors choice.

In living memory of Beryl Howard, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 2V6 Telephone: 1800-661-1599



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