Obituary of Beatrice Ryder

Our beloved mother Beatrice Elizabeth Ryder, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2018 at the age of 88, with her loving family by her side. She is survived by her three children Sharon Jean Marie Kinsman Hanifen (Jim) Halifax, Nancy Elizabeth (Graham) Benvie (Greg), Jasmine, Vance, Middle Musquodoboit and Edward Leslie Graham (Cathy), Raymond, Samantha, Saint John NB. Nieces: Deb Mikal (Wayne), Linda Cress (Kim). Predeceased by her parents, Agatha Elizabeth Handspiker, Forman Edward Handspiker, sisters Theda MacKay and Thelma Jorden of Digby. Husbands Leslie Vance Graham and Ralph Eugene Ryder. Hailing from Digby, Nova Scotia Bea was a proud "Bluenoser" meeting her first husband Leslie when he was a Naval Recruit, at CFB Cornwallis. Bea and Les married, and after the navy days eventually settled in Saint John working in the family business and raising their family. After Leslie's passing in 1971, Bea lived life as a single parent supporting the children, becoming a student taking classes to upgrade her business skills at NBCC-SJ, and also working at multiple jobs. During this time she met her second love Ralph. They married and Bea was a student again at Saint John Vocational School studying art. With a passion for painting and sketching; a love for the Bay of Fundy and rugged tug boats of Saint John, Bea became a part of the Saint John Art community making many lifelong friends. Retirement once again brought Bea back to her beloved Digby, the ocean and her childhood home. She was a devoted member of the Culloden Baptist Church once again connecting with many friends new and old. The Admiral Digby museum was a favourite volunteer project for Bea holding special events and art shows. Halifax became her home on the final leg of her journey, Red Hatter comrades, great neighbours, bridge mates, enjoying retirement living. Family time was everything to Bea, cherishing moments with family near and far. Visitation will be at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (506-634-7424), Friday, February 16 between the hours of 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. The funeral will take place from the Brenan’s Chapel, Saturday February 17, 2018 at 9:30 AM and interment will take place directly after the service, at Ocean View Memorial Gardens. Family flowers only please. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, the Saint John Boys and Girls Club or Bobby's Hospice, Saint John.