Obituary of Beatrice Irene Marie Turgeon

Beatrice Turgeon June 21, 1927 - March 15, 2020 Beatrice Irene Marie Turgeon was born June 21, 1927, to Philias and Exilia (Laventure) Boucher on the Boucher homestead 3 miles north of Laventure. She was the youngest of 5 girls. As a child, she was greatly influenced by her grandmother, Celina Laventure, who spent many hours singing songs and imparting French folklore. Bea developed a love for singing and did not hesitate to sing whenever there was a gathering. Quite often, a word or phrase would trigger a memory and she would sing in both French and English. Bea attended school at the Witchekan School 2 miles west of the homestead until 1937 when her parents sold the homestead to a family member and moved to Leoville. She graduated from high school in 1946, and attended Normal School (Teacher’s College) in Saskatoon. After graduation, she returned to the homestead and taught at the Witchekan School, a single room school house with grades 1 to 9, for the next two years. She would travel back and forth with a horse and buggy or sleigh. During this time, she met a number of Turgeon brothers from a large family and one who played musical instruments, sang and danced caught her eye and a friendship developed. Bea moved back to Leoville and, for four years, taught at the Leoville School. Her friendship with Bert Turgeon blossomed and they married in 1952. In 1958 when they moved to the current Turgeon farmyard, ½ mile south of Laventure. Bea taught from 1956 to 1958, at the Regent school next to the church in Laventure. She also taught at the Spiritwood Catholic School, full time and part time. In 1988, Bea and Bert moved to Spiritwood. They started taking trips to Mesa, Arizona, in the winter months and purchased a trailer, which they enjoyed for 26 years. Both Bea and Bert loved to dance, and sing, too. Their home was often full of friends and relatives. In January, 2014, Bea lost her lifelong partner and husband to a heart attack, a difficult time in her life which affected her health. In June, 2014, she moved to the Rose Gill Lodge, but her health became more fragile, and in June, 2017, she moved to the Spiritwood Lodge. In 2020, her health deteriorated but it did not affect her ability to sing. At the very end, she’d hear a song on the TV and she’d sing along, not missing a word. On the afternoon of Mar 15th, she passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Bea is lovingly remembered by her children: Alain (Elaine), Claire (Lydia Gledhill), and Marc (Lori); her grandchildren: Alaina (Donald Dunn), Mitchel, Lauren (Tyler Long), and Cassandra; her great grandchildren: Cole and Rachel; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, it is requested donations be made to the Idylwild Lodge Ladies Auxiliary. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beauacfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau "Lac" Funeral Home, Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK (306-883-3500).