HEDEGAARD It is with great sadness, yet gentle relief, that we announce the passing of our mother, BEATRICE VERDELLA HEDEGAARD, at Fort Macleod, Alberta, on Monday, November 22, 2004 at the age of 91 years. Bea struggled to maintain her dignity and cheerfulness through her long illness. Her strong faith helped her during this difficult time. Beatrice was born on March 26, 1913 in New Dundee, Ontario, to Isaac and Eliza Spreeman, the youngest of nine children. Her family moved to Drumheller, Alberta when she was five years old. Throughout her teenage years, she was active in the Salvation Army. She attended Mountain View Bible College in Didsbury, and in anticipation of serving as a missionary in Nigeria, she completed her nurses training in Toronto. Due to a serious illness, she altered her plans. Bea returned to Alberta and became a Ministering Sister in the Missionary Church. She continued working with the Church and nursing. She felt very privileged to work at the former Buelah Home in Edmonton, for unmarried mothers. Beatrice met and married Christian Hedegaard, a minister, in 1943. Together they served in churches at Bingley, Mountain View and James River. They spent a year in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, followed by a year in Didsbury, where Bea nursed at the hospital. In 1956 they moved to minister in Denmark, Chris' native land. They returned to Canada in 1961 and served as pastors in Athabasca and Mountain View. After they retired from the ministry, they moved to Red Deer where Bea continued to nurse for the next ten years. Bea led a colourful, busy life. She was involved with the WCTU, PTA and Women's Missionary Society. She was a loving wife and mother, a doting Grandma and a good friend. She was an excellent nurse and a vibrant public speaker. There are many happy memories. Bea was predeceased by Chris in 1988. She leaves to remember her, their son John and his wife Sarah of Orlando, Florida; their daughter Linda Ellis and her husband Jack of Fort Macleod; granddaughter Terrah Lindsay and husband Don of Grande Prairie; granddaughter Trudi Mason and her husband Adam of Lethbridge and grandson Tyler Ellis and Christine of Fort Macleod. She also leaves five great grandchildren: Kianna, Kiera, David, Eli and Isaiah. A Memorial Service to celebrate Bea's life will be held at the CrossRoads Missionary Church, Red Deer on Friday, November 26, 2004 at 1:30 pm. If friends desire, memorial donations may be made in Bea's memory to Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the CNIB. WILSON'S FUNERAL CHAPEL Serving Central Alberta with locations in Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of the arrangements. (403) 782-3366 (403) 843-3388. "A Caring Family, Caring For Families"