With great sadness we announce the passing of our mother, Alice Olive Beckwith, age 90, of Sydney, NS on October 27, 2021.
Alice was born on May 16, 1931, in Sydney Mines, the youngest child of the late Elizabeth (Ives) and Roderick Ferguson. She was married to George Beckwith for 58 years until his passing in November 2014.
Alice is survived by her daughters, Jo Ann Beckwith, Darwin, Australia, Julie (Gordon) Anderson, Sydney River, and Jennifer Beckwith, Halifax, as well as her grandchildren, Kevin Anderson, Sydney River, and Amy and Kelsey Prevost, Halifax, and many nieces and nephews.
Alice was predeceased by her sisters, Florence (Carl) Johns, Mary (Clarence) Moore, Margaret (Alec) Luker, and Catherine (Eugene) Jackson.
Alice had a lifelong passion for education. She attended Normal (Teachers) College in Truro (Class of ‘49), before taking up various teaching posts.
Following their marriage in 1956, Alice and George moved to Corner Brook, NL. In 1964, they returned to Cape Breton, and Alice went on to teach in the Sydney area at Colby, St. Joseph’s, Cusack, Mountainview, and Coxheath schools, retiring in 1994.
Alice inspired her daughters and many students to be their best selves. She also sought to improve her own skills and completed the equivalent of her B.Ed. through coursework at UCCB. Active in professional development, she coordinated Education Week and served as President of the Provincial Primary Elementary Teachers Association (PETA).
Community service was another passion. In 1977, she was awarded the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal for her service to education and the community. She was active in the IODE and other community organizations such as the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Alice was a lifelong member of the United Church of Canada and most recently attended the United Heritage Church.
Over her life, she enjoyed travelling, playing golf, bowling with the retired teachers, playing Bridge with her friends, and visiting her grandchildren. She was known for her hospitality with visitors never leaving her home without a baked treat to take with them.
We would like to thank Mom’s many friends who enriched her life and whose continued support was especially important following George’s passing. This included her lifelong friend, Pencie Granchelli, her fellow retired teachers, and the ladies from the South Bentinck Street neighbourhood, to name a few. Thank you also to the staff at Parkland Cape Breton, the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Seaview Manor, Dr. Archibald and Debbie, and many others for Alice’s care.
Alice will be deeply missed by her family and many friends.
In accordance with Alice’s wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. A private family graveside service will be held.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation can do so through the Sydney Academy Scholarship Fund or a charity of their choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Alice Ferguson Beckwith 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Sydney, Province: Nova Scotia