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Marie H. Beattie

7/11/2021

26 Comments

 
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With great sadness, we announce the sudden passing of Marie H. Beattie at Grand River Hospital on July 11, 2021 at the age of 75. Dearly beloved mother of Jesse (Ross) and Rachel. She was predeceased by her sister Jane van der Velden and brother Herb van Vught. She is survived by her brother Harry (Pauline) and brother-in-law Arnold, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind a loving circle of chosen family including Rita, David, Margaret, Theresa, Judy, Marian, Anna, Tonnea, Joan, Heike, Pat, and Sheila.   
 
Marie was a lifelong social worker at work and in her spare time.  She was a long time employee with Family and Children Services of Waterloo Region where she was committed to fighting for the rights of children. She sat on the board of Anselma House for many years.  Marie was a constant and voracious reader as well as an avid hiker. She was also a passionate devotee of Canadian theatre and never missed either the Toronto International Film Festival or Hot Docs Documentary Film Festival. She could be fierce in fighting for things she believed in and was well known for tenaciously taking on injustice where she saw it. But she was also a loving and generous mother and friend who would do literally anything for her family and friends.
 
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any of the following charities:  Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, Doctors Without Borders, House of Friendship, Blyth Festival Theatre, the Tarragon theater, the Stephen Lewis Foundation, TVOntario, Rare, the Kitchener Foodbank, and the Grand River Regional Cancer Centre.   
 
Messages and condolences may be left for the family at www.tricitycremations.com or 519.772.1237. Please  visit Marie's obituary notice on Facebook.
26 Comments
Lisa Johnson
7/12/2021 05:19:39 pm

I don't know how to express my sadness about this. Rachel has been a dear friend of mine for almost 25 years, and in that time I have known Marie to be an erudite, warm, dedicated, intelligent, and loving person. Also not one to be trifled with! She was a ferocious advocate and passionate patron (and purveyor) of the arts. I have many fond memories of going to movies, plays, and Hillside Festival with Rachel and Marie. Many of my Toronto friends know Marie because she was such a fixture at the various film festivals here. I was introduced to one of my favourite artists -- Ferron -- because of Marie. Most of all, I know this: she could not have been more loved. Rachel fiercely loved her mom and was completely devoted to her. I have never known any other mother-daughter duo who spoke as much as they did, or about the things that they did. Marie was always at the ready to have a very deep political or intellectual discussion. In fact, it is one of the last memories I have of her. I know that she also had many good friends who were always there for her, as she was for them. I know that she made new friends easily and excitedly. Marie had a full, lustrous, active, meaningful, and impactful life, and that makes this loss all the more deeply felt. I can't imagine what a hole will be left in the hearts and lives of those who were closest to her. I can only hope that those who are grieving can take some comfort in the fact that they got to have Marie in their lives, because I am sure that she made their lives better and more fulfilling. My love to everyone who is suffering at this time. Marie, you WILL be remembered.

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Suzanne van der Velden
7/12/2021 06:22:17 pm

Good day, all though I know it’s not, i’m so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing, wishing you both all our love and prayers, thoughts go to you guys. Remember the love and inspiration she put forward to every one. Sincere regards, Suzanne

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Nicole Robson
7/12/2021 06:33:28 pm

I was so sorry to hear of Marie’s passing. I was lucky to have her as my supervisor at Family and Children’s Services. She taught me so much. I always remember her as no nonsense, and with a great dry sense of humour. My thoughts are with her family, and all those who loved her.

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Edward & Suzanne Vandervelden
7/12/2021 07:15:34 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Rachel and Jesse we will deeply miss Aunt Marie. She was always so thoughtful and generous to our family.

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Rita carrier
7/13/2021 08:45:00 am

Thank you Marie, my sister, for being in my life...for all the great memories you left me...you will always be on the trail beside me....

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Edda Kerr
7/13/2021 09:27:37 am

I am very sad to hear this. I worked with Marie on the front lines at
FCS and shared an office with her. She was a wonderful human being who fought hard to keep kids safe and advocated against injustices. She had an ability to see things from a different perspective and had such a great sense of humor as well.. My thoughts are with her family at this time.

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Jean Coughlan Bednarski
7/13/2021 01:04:46 pm

My deepest condolences to Marie’s daughters and family. I worked alongside Marie on the Programmer Committee of Third Age Learning. Marie was an amazingly organized head of the committee and a pleasure to work with. She will be missed.

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Erin Kennedy
7/13/2021 01:17:34 pm

I am so saddened to hear of Marie’s passing. She was my very first supervisor at FACS Waterloo. I learned so much from her and she gave me a great foundation for my career. She had great insight and worked tirelessly for the safety and well being of of children. She was a wonderfully supportive supervisor who we always knew had our back! Her sense of humour always made the work easier too. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.

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Janice Ortoleva
7/13/2021 05:48:25 pm

Dear Jesse and Rachel: Please accept my sincerest condolences. I met Marie 5 years ago when I moved to Cambridge and started going to Tal with my sister Joan. Marie was very welcoming and included me in their inner circle for lunches and seminars. I will miss her discussions and opinions on many different lectures and films that we attended. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult and sad time. May you keep her memories alive.
Sincerely Janice

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Joan Allison
7/13/2021 06:03:31 pm

Marie, I will truly miss you. I first met Marie at Family and Children’s Services but really got to know her when she came to the Cambridge Office. She was a great Social Worker who knew her stuff and had a heart of gold. It was in retirement that Marie became a close friend. I loved her enthusiasm for film, the theatre and books! She introduced me to Sunday’s at the Tarragon theatre in Toronto and to Third Age Learning in Waterloo. I met many wonderful people through Marie and I loved the many discussions we had on numerous things. With Marie , you always knew where she stood on a topic and when we disagreed, you could be sure that you would never change her mind! I loved her looks of distain when I would bring up a topic that she and I had different views on ! Oh Marie, I will miss you greatly!
Rachel and Jessica, I send you my sincere condolences. But rest assured that your Mom will not be forgotten!
Hugs, Joan

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Sheila Grange
7/13/2021 06:28:35 pm

I knew Marie through hiking, books and friendship. Her empathy toward other people, her incisive mind and her untiring diligence made her a leader amongst us. Her death will leave a large gap in our lives but from her memory we can go on learning how to be better people.
I am truly moved thinking about Marie's life and I feel deeply saddened for Rachel and Jess, her daughters.. Let them be comforted by her memory.

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Doug Grant
7/14/2021 08:27:46 am

I knew Marie primarily through our hiking group, and always enjoyed her company, most especially our discussions of theatre. She was a delightful and engaging person, and will be greatly missed. My most sincere condolences to her entire family.

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Jean Coughlan bednarski link
7/14/2021 11:50:26 am

My deepest condolences to Rachel and Jess and the family on Marie’s death. I worked with Marie on the programmer committee of Third Age Learning for 5 years. Marie was an amazing organizer and very dedicated to making our lecture series the best it could be. Marie will be missed.

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Leah Donoghue
7/14/2021 07:32:29 pm

I started as a young worker at Family and Children’s Services with Marie. She mentored and taught me so much under her supervision. Marie had a sharp mind and always had a way to challenge me to put forth my best work. I can’t even express how much I grew to appreciate her and her sense of humour that came out in witty sayings at the right times. I appreciated her professionally as a Mama Bear. However, I grew to appreciate her personally as well. We bonded over cats and a mutual love of theatre. When Marie retired I knew her door was always open for lunch or sitting by her pool. She loved her daughters and talked about them with such pride. When I became a Mama and my baby was in h the hospital Marie came to his bedside at the hospital to encourage me without missing a beat. Marie left an unforgettable impression on my life. Jessica and Rachel I am so sorry for your loss.

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Sandra Sine
7/15/2021 09:42:36 am

I miss Marie a lot, even though I haven't actually visited her in a while. She was such a strong woman, very compassionate, and very honest. She helped my mom when she retired and didn't know what to do with her free time, and she always treated me well. Her home was another safe place where I could be as weird as I needed to be. She exposed me to the building blocks of social justice, and never shied away from challenging me intellectually, even as a kid. She was an example of how to be kind and loving and still be strong and firm.

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Oksana
7/15/2021 04:23:53 pm

I am so sorry Jessica to hear of your mother's passing. Please accept my condolences.

Oksana

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Judith Karlson
7/17/2021 09:39:43 am

Marie and her girls were dear friends to me and my children for many years. We enjoyed many hiking trips, music festivals and theatre. I will remember my smartest and kindest friend always.Rachel and Jessie I will be checking in on you. Good bye dear Marie.

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Jean Fretz
7/17/2021 09:26:14 pm

I worked with Marie at Family & Children's Services. She was a good social worker who was committed to her clients. Thinking of her family at this sad time. My sincere condolenes to each of you. Jean Fretz

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Alison Bruce
7/18/2021 02:19:48 am

I was so sorry to hear of your loss Jessie. I only met Marie a handful if times but she was an important part of Kit and Sam's lives.

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Awa Dembele-Yeno
7/19/2021 12:36:00 am

Dear Rachel, I am really sorry for your loss. I have never met your mother, but based on who you are, I can safely say that there's a legacy of kindness and generosity she had passed onto you. My heart goes to you, your sister and your family.

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Sandy Mader
7/19/2021 10:40:12 am

Marie was such an asset to the Third Age Learning Committee. I will miss her easy smile and ability to immerse herself in whatever project she took on. I pass on my condolences to her family.

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Pat Bowers
7/20/2021 06:04:21 pm

I will miss Marie's lively conversation and dedication to the things she valued. I met her through lectures first at Laurier Lifelong Learning and then at TAL. She invited me to join her friends at the Tarragon Theatre in Toronto and opened my eyes to experimental as well as local theatre. I'll remember her most fondly.

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Pat Bowers
7/20/2021 06:11:25 pm

I will miss Marie's lively conversation and her dedication to the values she held dear. I met her through the courses we enjoyed first at Laurier Lifelong Learning and then at TAL. She introduced me to the Tarragon Theatre and other local theatre, and to walks at RARE. Thanks so much to Rachel and Jesse and their great care of Marie at the end. I will miss my friend.

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April Muszik
7/26/2021 08:48:31 am

I was so saddened to hear of Marie's passing. I knew Marie as a supervisor at Family and Children's Services and was always impressed with her professionalism, candor and sense of humor. Marie was a fierce advocate for the children and families we worked with but always operated from a place of respect and compassion. Jesse and Rachel, she spoke of her daughters with much pride and love during our conversations about family. My deepest condolences on the loss of this amazing woman, your mom. Sending love and light to both of you and your entire family.

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Kelly Barnett
7/30/2021 11:12:57 am

I am really sorry to hear of Marie's passing. She was my first supervisor and I so appreciated her wisdom and compassion. I remember her deeply caring about the families we worked with and although I was not on her team long I learned a lot from her.

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Susan Maciaczyk
8/3/2021 01:19:21 pm

I have just returned from vacation to see the sad news of Marie's passing. Having read all these lovely notes, I agree with all that has been said here. I knew Marie as a colleague at Family and Children's Services, and quite simply, she was top notch. She gave so much of herself to families and staff alike. She had the mind of a steel trap - so sharp and nothing got by her. Her dry sense of humour was the best. Marie, you will be missed in this world. Jessica and Rachel, my sincere condolences. May the knowledge that others saw what a wonderful woman your mother was, bring you some solace.

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