Beverley Cromb

Beverley Cromb (nee Nicholson)

Beverley Irene Cromb, 88, of Nepean, Ontario, died in the early morning hours of Monday, October 12, 2020. Bev’s heart gave out after emergency bypass surgery at the Ottawa Heart Institute. Bev was born in Calgary, Alberta on March 25, 1932 to Arthur and Irene Nicholson. She married William (Bill) Taylor Cromb in Edmonton, Alberta on July 31, 1954 and he survives.

Bev was the matriarch of a large family and is survived by her loving children: Bill (Judy) of Calgary, Alberta, Ian of Kingston, Ontario, Barb (Lori Mason) of Toronto, Ontario, Patti (Fred Hosking) of Ottawa, and Marj (Tom Ford) of Toronto, Ontario; seven beloved grandchildren: Brenda (Alex Cooke) Cromb, Billy (Alex Blue) Cromb, Carly Mayer, Kate (Matthias Butscher) Ford, Scott  (Lauren Brazier) Ford, Christina Ford and Michael (Jessica Joaquin) Ford; cherished four great-grandchildren: Alice Cooke, Eve Ford, Avery Ford and Arlo Butscher; and nieces and nephews: JD Nicholson, Bruce Nicholson, Gay Nicholson, Tom Nicholson and Joanne Dalton; and much-loved Mockett, Davidson and Bears cousins. Both of Bev’s parents and much-loved older brothers, Donald Nicholson and Jack Nicholson, and sisters-in-law, Donna and Rosemary, preceded her in death.

Bev lived in Nepean from 1961 when she and Bill moved from their home on the prairie. Bev was a proud graduate of the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Education class of 1954, keeping in touch with many of her classmates until the time of her death. As a child, Bev lived in several towns in southern Alberta – Chinook, Oyen, Lethbridge and High River - before moving to Edmonton for University and early married life.

Bev’s strength of will and character were shaped by growing up in depression-era small-town Alberta, and seeing her father and brothers go off to fight in WWII.  She was the embodiment of the expression, “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”, never letting hardship interfere with her enjoyment of life. Bev loved to share a laugh, especially over a hand of cards or board game.  Her sense of humour and competitive spirit are qualities that will live on in her descendants.

Bev was a very active member of the Bell’s Corners United Church community and greatly missed spending time with her church friends and UCW pals during the COVID-19 restrictions.  A passionate tennis player for most of her life, Bev deeply regretted having to hang up her racket and leave the Crystal Beach Tennis Club in her last few years. An avid bridge player to the very end, her card buddies of the Crystal Beach bridge groups and at Stillwater Creek will have to find her a permanent substitute.

The family would like to thank the residents and staff of the Stillwater Creek Retirement Community where Bev and Bill have lived since 2017. The friends – and fellow card players – that she had there made Bev’s transition from the family home a very happy one.

A private immediate family-only funeral service will be held at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Home. When the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted the family will host a celebration of Bev’s life.