Pearl Elizabeth ’Liz’ DeCoste passed away on June 22, 2002, in Chilliwack, at the age of 42 years.
Liz is survived by her children, Patricia Marie Anne ’Trisha’ Doyle, Larry Christopher Earl Doyle, and Elizabeth Mariam Pearl ’Beth’ Shepherd; her parents, Eva and Ralph DeCoste; three brothers, Vincent (Barbara Pethick), Larry (Eileen), and Stephen (Lynne); one sister Lorraine (Larry) Depow; nephews, Danial, Lucas, and Jesse DeCoste, and Gregory and Stephen Depow; and nieces, Rebecca ’Becky’, and Sadie DeCoste, Amy (Matt) Wielki, Elizabeth Depow, and Janine Gabriel. Liz will also be missed by her many friends with whom she chummed in Oromocto, N.B., Trenton, Ont., Ottawa, Ont., Chilliwack, Vancouver, and Surrey.
Liz was born August 16, 1959 in Chilliwack, and attended school in Sardis, Oromocto, N.B., and Trenton, Ont. She worked in Belleville and CFB Trenton, Ont., and later took accounting training in Ottawa. Liz worked for Canada Trust in Ottawa, prior to and after her wedding to Chris Doyle December 11, 1982. The family moved to Chilliwack and to Surrey, where Liz worked for Canada Trust and later Brendon Bros. Insurance Brokers where Liz took underwriting courses.
After her divorce, she attended Sprott Shaw College where she received a Diploma in Office Management. After graduation from Sprott Shaw College she found employment with the Legal Freelance Centre in Vancouver which she very much enjoyed. She continued employment there until her medical condition dictated that she cease employment.
During her illness, her employer, Betty Garbutt, was most supportive and helpful. Also helpful and supportive were the Surrey Cancer Clinic staff, her physician, Dr. C. Dale Best of Burnaby, and her Chilliwack physician, Dr. Brian Brodie. Many thanks also to Gayla Harker, and Leslie Quinn of Surrey; Debbie Shepherd and her two daughters, Chrystal and Carrie, Beth’s step-sisters; and Tammy Sherstobitoff of Burnaby; and mother-in-law Valerie Doyle of Ottawa, all of whom gave unstintingly of their time and love. Two of her Chilliwack friends, Eva Franta and Lisa Ward, also provided continuous support.
Liz and her daughter Beth Shepherd moved to Canterbury Dr., Chilliwack to the home of Larry and Lorraine Depow and their children on June 15, 2002, so that Liz could be near her beloved sister and the other members of the extended family. Liz died peacefully there with family and friends near her. Beth will continue to live with the Depow family and will have the love of Elizabeth, Gregory, and Stephen Depow to provide support.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, 2002 at the Area Support Unit at the corner of Korea Rd. and Keith Wilson Rd. in Sardis; Father Fred Tassinari and Sheila Giolito officiating. At Liz’s request, scattering of her ashes will be done at a later time by family members.
Floral tributes are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Liz may be made to the B.C. Cancer Foundation, 13750-96th Ave., Surrey, B.C. V3V 1Z2.