ANN BEERS passed away peacefully, with family at her side, on October 16, 2016 at the age of 86 years in Lethbridge, Alberta.

She is predeceased by her husband of 50 years, James (Jacobus) Beers, and her daughter Wilda Sanderson. She is also predeceased by her seven siblings.

She is survived by her family; (Richard) Sanderson of Lethbridge, Glen (Rhonda) Beers of Rocky Mountain House, Terry Beers of Taber, John (Susan) Beers of Taber, and Mary-Ann (Frank) Isaac of Lethbridge. She is also survived by nine grandchildren; Melanie Sanderson, Angela Hodgson, Tamela Toma, Jennette Rude, Owen, Kala and Carson Beers and Chris and Lauren Isaac. She also is survived by her seven great grandchildren; Ryan and Logan Hodgson, Shayla, Amry and Thaiden Toma, Soraya and Jacob Rude.

Ann (Anna) Theresia Beers was born in Harenkarspel, Nederlands on August 16, 1930 to Theresia and Johannes VanderFluit. She met and later married James Beers, her husband of 50 years, in the Netherlands in January of 1953. In 1954 she immigrated along with her husband to Canada.

Ann developed her strength to overcome adversity at a very early age. At the age of one year she lost her father and then lost her mother at the age of 16. In her adolescent years, she was raised by her eldest brother and his wife. Through this early part of her life she developed her determination and strength to cope with life's ups and downs guided by her gracious "can do" attitude. She learned that her feisty approach to life helped not only herself, but that when she helped others it made her feel good as well.

If life had provided more opportunities, I am sure Mom would have made the perfect nurse. She was so nurturing of others. As children we were so lucky to have her undivided attention as our mother. Patient, kind, and strong yet tender but fair as well. I am sure that with five kids, she constantly wondered how she would manage. But, she rarely lost her cool, regardless of the antics we tried to pull to prove otherwise. She managed to nurture her children into strong, independent adults. We thank her for that.

Our parents took us to New Brunswick to visit Mom's brother and his family. It was difficult to keep us entertained for a trip across Canada, but I don't recall her ever getting snippy with us. She just smiled when we would bug her yet again with "our cold hands from being outside the car" routine that would once again "surprise" her as we pressed them against her forehead. Looking back from a parent's perspective it was probably a weary smile. Funny thing though, the second time they went on a long trip, they left all us kids at home. Five gangly adolescents and their parents probably would not have fit in the car anyway. But Mom still called back frequently to ensure we were all okay.

Even when she would have her migraines she would rarely snap at us. She just relied on her own resilience. Knowing that no one else would do the work for her, she pressed through her migraines rather than succumb to them.

Once her family was grown up, her attention turned to other family members and to others in the community. Mom still sensed what other people needed most to lessen their burdens. If you were struggling in any small way, you didn't need to ask for help she just took it upon herself to do what was needed to lessen the burden. She may have been there for only a few minutes to lift your spirits with a quip as she had a playful approach to life and good sense of humour, or she dedicated herself to help out on a longer term basis to ensure you could manage on your own before she slipped into the background again but ever watchful to see if she could help out in any other way.

Mary-Ann remembers having their first child and finding very little time for sleep, let alone making meals. Her mom knew how exhausted she was and took it upon herself to drop off nutritious care packages on the front step (being careful not to wake her should she be asleep). She knew how to give enough support and yet not take over. She nurtured independence and resilience. She not only took care of Mary-Ann's children before they went on to a day care setting, she also nurtured the children of nieces and nephews as well as friends of the family.

Family, close friends and neighbours will remember the small actions that had a big impact on lightening your burden just a little. And she never expected anything in return. Her reward, was simply knowing that she had made your life a little easier. She had a pay it forward attitude, always doing the most that she could do for others. In this respect she has been a good role model for her children and grandchildren. Always generous of spirit, she gave freely of her time and her talents.

When family came to visit there was always Grandma's soup and apple cake to be devoured. Some of her great grandchildren called her Grandma Apron as she could be counted on to have good food and candies ready when they arrived. She enjoyed many dance recitals, sporting events, and concerts featuring her grandchildren. She always treasured the company of friends and family and enjoyed making their visits a celebration where food, fun, and laughter were shared.

Her other talents gained from raising her five children were sewing, knitting and crocheting. From children's costumes to curling sweaters, baby blankets and prayer shawls, she created them all. And if you had only an idea of what you'd like she could develop the pattern to create what you wanted. She was happiest when she was making something for someone.

So, if you take just a minute you may remember how her kindness touched your heart. Appreciate the small ripple she created with her actions and then sometime in the future please pay a tribute to her as you pay it forward.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME - 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, October 20th, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Michael Pollard officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA'S CATHOLIC CHURCH - 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB. on Friday, October 21st, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Roque Pereira celebrating.

Ann will be laid to rest with her husband James at Mountain View Cemetery following the Funeral Mass.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Ann, donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation - 960 16th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J-1W5.