Beverley ABBOTT

ABBOTT, Beverley
A Beautiful Soul
On September 20, 2016, I said good bye to my eternal love. Beverley is survived by me, her husband John.
Beverley was born on November 27, 1960 to her loving parents Bev and Ruth Abbott.
If you asked Beverley about her early years she would say she was an academic underachiever. Her focus was on friendships, fun and attending Alice Cooper concerts (giving her parents some sleepless nights). Youthful adventures aside, Beverley developed a global consciousness. The earnings from her first job at the Bell High School Arena went to World Visions to adopt a child. We now have six children through this program.
Throughout her life, Beverley always gave of herself and this beautiful characteristic would go on to define how she lived.
In her teen years she volunteered at Christie Lake Boys Camp, a camp for impoverished boys with behavioural issues. Despite the challenges, Beverley returned for a second year which was notably uncommon and greatly appreciated by the camp director.
Beverley received her Bachelor of Social Work and Masters of Counselling. Her career began in addictions working at Henwood. Along with her colleague Donna Kerr, they developed the women's program specifically designed to address the needs of women and addictions. This concept was groundbreaking and required a lot of advocacy on their part.
The next phase of Beverley's career was counselling people through the Employee Assistance Program. She approached each person and their struggle with professionalism and respect. As Beverley would say, "Insight without behavioural change is meaningless", and she devoted herself to helping people make meaningful changes.
Serendipity brought Beverley and I together. We had 35 years with each other that went much too fast. Beverley's love of life, sense of adventure and ability to connect with people brightened everyone's world.
Beverley always appreciated the things in life people tend to take for granted – every deer that visited our acreage, birds at our feeder, anything chocolate, a good cup of tea, Friday night with friends, talking with her nephews and their partners on a Sunday afternoon.
Beverley felt a strong connection to butterflies. Whenever you see one, think of her. If you listen with your heart you'll hear all her love around you soft and clear. She will always be with those of us who were privileged to know her.
Thank you to family and friends, Foyer Lacombe Hospice and Dr. Dusang.
There will be a Celebration of Beverley's life in the spring.