On Saturday, October 3, 2020, Beverly passed away peacefully at Langley Memorial Hospital with her children by her side.
Beverly will be deeply missed by her children, Laurie McMillan, Gordon Gruger (Sandi), Lisa Marie Gruger, and Seán O’Dowd (Kristan); her grandchildren James and Sarah McMillan, Emma, Kate and Megan Gruger, Rowan and Alexander Gruger-Cowper, and Emily and Maeve O’Dowd; her sister-in-law Anita Friel and brother-in-law Douglas Logan; as well as her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives in Ontario. She is predeceased by her husband Dr. Ronald Gruger and Patrick O’Dowd; her parents Carl and Janet Hoggard; her sister Lorraine Logan and nephew John Logan.
Beverly was born on June 20, 1938, in Vancouver. She graduated from Richmond High School and then went on to receive her nursing degree at Vancouver General Hospital. She married Ron in 1960. They moved to Guelph, Ontario, where Ron completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. In 1961, they moved back to British Columbia and had three children. Following Ron’s death in 1969, Beverly moved to Delta to be closer to family. In 1974, she married Patrick and they welcomed a son. In 1994, she moved to Langley to be closer to her grandchildren.
Beverly was devoted to the Catholic Church, specifically Sacred Heart Parish (Delta) and St. Nicholas (Langley) where she enjoyed many activities. She was also a member of the Square Dancers Club and Langley Seniors Centre. Beverly enjoyed travelling with both family and friends, and saw many parts of the world in her 82 years. She also liked to garden, socialize, and play card games—and rarely said ‘no’ to dessert.
Beverly will be remembered as a loving friend and a woman of strength and perseverance.
She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.
A funeral service is scheduled for 11:00 am on October 17th at St. Nicholas Parish in Walnut Grove. The service is by invitation only due to COVID-19 restrictions. Donations can be made to the BC Cancer Research Centre or the St. Nicholas Church Building Fund in Beverly’s memory.
Link to live streaming of the funeral:
youtube/J_xu8ATAwgo
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Beverly Janet O’Dowd June 20 1938 Oct.3 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Vancouver, Province: Colombie britanique