She was born on November 22, 1940 in International Falls, MN to Clifford and Evelyn Wagner. She spent her early years in the Falls before completing High School in Crookston. Fate intervened shortly after her graduation when she ran into the back of Derald’s car. This led to the exchange of phone numbers and eventually the exchange of wedding vows. Bev married Derald McCool on June 4, 1960, and they spent 53 wonderful years together. They built a life in Fort Frances, raising their children and running several businesses including Plaza Lanes.
Bev and Derald’s original one room log cabin on Footprint Lake became a gathering place for family, friends and thirsty lake travelers. They eventually built a beautiful cabin where Bev spent hours at the lake tending to her amazing fl owers and cooking for the many friends who were always welcome. Grandma loved playing crib with Grandpa and her grandsons where she was known to count with creativity.
For many years Bev was an award-winning bowler. She represented Northwestern Ontario on many teams and competed at the World Championships in 1977. Her accomplishments led to her induction into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 1982. Boyd, Cam, Cody and Zach were her pride and joy. She loved spoiling them every Christmas and “Grandmasizing” their pancakes and lunches. Bev was a common site at the arena, baseball field, soccer pitch, swim meets, volleyball and basketball games. She was a special Grandma and they each have many Grandma Bev memories that bring a smile to their face.
Bev and Derald loved to travel and entertain in their motorhome, travelling across the United States to hear their favourite country artists and fi nd the best stores to shop at. Bev’s ability to find bargains was legendary. She was passionate about her Minnesota Twins and didn’t hesitate to vocalize her support (or frustrations). For the past 13 years, Bev and Derald spent their winters in Florida, where she was known as the unoffi cial mayor of the park. Bev hosted many social gatherings with her fi sh frys being a highly anticipated event. Her hospitality and generous nature will be sorely missed.
Bev leaves behind her husband Derald; daughter Connee and husband Brad Badiuk; son Don and wife Dede; grandsons Boyd, Cam, Cody and Zach all of Fort Frances; siblings Shirley (Dennis) Livingston, Darryl (Barb) Wagner, Dennis (Wendy) Wagner, Curt (Jane) Wagner and Cindy (Bob) Matiski; sisters in law Greita (Ken) Sello, Jackie Schuiteman, and many nieces and nephews that were very special to her.
She was predeceased by her parents Clifford and Evelyn Wagner, parents-in-law Mary and Harry McCool, brothers Sammy and Dick, sister Robin, sisters-in-law Janet Wagner and Elaine Graff; brothersin-law Jack Schuiteman and Bobby McCool.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 26, 2014 from 7 until 8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home.
Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, January 27, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, ON with Deacon Bob Grynol offi ciating.
Interment will take place in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances, ON. The pallbearers will be Ken Sello, Roger Tuck, John Krukoski, Mike Strain, Terry Miller and Dean Schuiteman.
The honourary pallbearers will be Ethel Lowey, Vi Plumridge, Nancy Tuck, Terri Ashworth, Colleen Wiersma and Joan Krukoski.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
Our Mom had an enormous heart and huge personality – she was one of a kind.
God saw she was getting tired and the cure was not to be.
So He put his arms around her and whispered, “Come with Me.”
With tearful hearts we watched her fade away.
Although we loved her dearly, we could not make her stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
