January 15, 1924 - February 1, 2021
Bea Breaks may have been tiny in stature but she was mighty in spirit and energy. Dorothy Beatrice Rudderham was born in Prince Rupert, on January 25, 1924 (Robbie Burns Day - she was always proud of that).
Other than a couple of years when she lived in Summerland, she lived all her days in her beloved community. It was here, at the Prince Rupert harbour, shortly after WW II, that she met her husband of almost 60 years, Robert Breaks. They were married on December 5, 1951 and enjoyed a full life together.
They loved to travel, especially to Mexico where they would befriend many locals. They shared a love of reading. They were often away on their boat, fishing and cruising and exploring the coast. She was a very devoted wife to Bob in his final years, caring for him with love and strength.
Bea was a founding member and employee of the first credit union and also worked in the office at the COOP fishing plant. She always looked out for the less fortunate and was very generous with her time and financial donations to many charities and organizations. A big community volunteer, Bea delivered food with Meals on Wheels for many years. She was a supporter of the local SPCA and always had a dish of food out for the neighbourhood cats and fed the hungry birds.
Bea was a member of the Prince Rupert Garden Club. She loved playing cards with her dear friends Ennis, Mary, and Margit every Wednesday afternoon. She could always be seen at the community bazaars each fall and loved sharing tea with her great nieces each year at the Masonic Strawberry Tea.
Family was very important to Bea and she was the last of her generation. She missed her husband, Bob, parents, George and Lexie, and siblings Nora, Rob, and Dordy. She, in turn, will be missed by her 8 nieces and nephews and their families. Bea will be remembered by them as their tiny fun-loving aunt with a big sweet tooth.
She loved nothing more than having her nieces and nephews drop by for a visit so she could ply them with her baking and a cup of tea. None were more devoted to her than her niece, Janet Sheppard, who lived and helped her for several years and Peter Rudderham who was a constant visitor at her home and later at the manor.
The family expresses their thanks to all Bea's former neighbours who always looked out for her and to Dr. Chantal Piek, and the nurses and staff at Acropolis Manor for their kind care for Bea for her last 2 years.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the charity of your choice.