Obituary of ELIZABETH (BETH) MAY DARRACH

ELIZABETH (BETH) MAY DARRACH

 (nee COULTHARD)

 May 1, 1927 - April 11, 2018

Beth, beloved wife of the late Dave Darrach (2004), passed away peacefully in her sleep at the Middlechurch Lodge after a brief lung infection.

 She was born on the family farm near Clearwater, MB to Lottie (Gardiner) and Ross Coulthard; a sister to George, Jean and Wilma. Education was important to Beth from primary in Clearwater and graduation in Crystal City. She went on to be part of the sisterhood of 1950B Grace Hospital Nursing School RNs and continued these relationships throughout her life. She met her future husband while nursing in Winnipeg and they married in 1952.  They raised their four children, Bruce (Diane), Ian (Carol), Scott (Ingrid) and Allison (Bob) in St. James. Dave and Beth enjoyed travel to Asia and Europe, with special fondness for Portugal and Beth's last trip to Scotland with Allison. She was a weekly bowler for over 25 years and participated in seniors aerobics. Beth was committed to serving others, and channelled her compassion volunteering with Khartum Ladies Auxiliary, Grace Hospital Alumni and Sturgeon Creek United Church. "Mrs. D" retired as 2nd floor Head Nurse from Oakview Place Nursing Home in 1987. Beth was more focused on the drive than the destination, and filled her journey with many lifelong friendships. Over a hundred friends and family came together to celebrate her 90th birthday in 2017 - a testament to the many lives she touched. Beth was passionate about sewing, knitting, theatre, baking buns, sharing muffins and coffee at McD's and especially gardening.

Beth leaves behind her children, their spouses and her grandchildren: Amanda, Kevin, Scott, Owen, Chaz, Sean and Leah as well as numerous nieces and nephews. We each have our own "Beth stories", and will forever remember her self-deprecating humour and the twinkle in her eye as she made a quiet joke.

Special thanks to the staff of Grace Hospital, St. James Kiwanis, Deer Lodge and Middlechurch Lodge.

 If desired, memorial donations can be made to Clearwater Cemetery, PO Box 98, Clearwater, MB R0K 0M0, or a charity of your choice.

An interment will be held at a future date.