Obituary
SEE SERVICE HERE: https://cschurch.ca/palmquist
Elizabeth (Beth) Lily Palmquist, aged 75, passed away peacefully at home on August 30, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta, with her husband, Dennis, by her side.
Beth is survived by the love of her life (Dennis), her daughters (Carla and Sara), her grandchildren (Madelyn, Hannah and Phillip), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and an expansive extended family and friends. She is predeceased by her parents, Ivy and Maurice, and grandparents, Gladys and Elmer.
From teaching Sunday school, to mentorin nursing students, to introducing new immigrants to Canadian culture, Beth’s life was marked by service. Even her hobbies included generosity. She sewed mittens for children in Ukraine and prepared meals for those in need in our city.
Beth was always trying new things. She took up extracurricular activities later in life like Dragon Boat Paddling, Pilates, and Bridge, to add to her already deep repertoire which included knitting, playing piano, running, gardening, and cycling. A fervent traveler, Beth explored numerous countries and made friends along the way. Beth’s generous spirit and unwavering kindness will be greatly missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Centre Street Church - Bearspaw Campus (33 Damkar Court Calgary, AB). Friends and family are invited to honor and celebrate her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Beth’s memory to the Humanitarian Aid Response Team.
We extend a sincere thank you to Dr. Nimira Alimohamed, the nurses at the Foothills Medical Centre, and the homecare palliative care team for their unwavering kindness and support throughout Beth’s illness. Their care and support were a source of comfort for Beth and our family. We will be forever grateful.
Beth will be laid to rest at Queen’s Park Cemetery at a later date.
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Blessings in the months ahead. Elmer and Maggie
I am so sorry for your loss of such a radiant, amazing woman I always looked up to. Beth was a the most thoughtful caring nurse with her patients and us her fellow employees and friends. I am sad I missed the celebration but so thankful to have seen her at Lois’s get together a few months back. I will always cherish her friendship♥️
I was in my bedroom getting ready to go to to bed. My back was turned when there was a knock on the door.I turned around and there was Beth leaning in the doorway. That was the start of a forever friendship. I will always hold the memories of our friendship especially Beth's infectious laugh.
Although it's difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. My Deepest Sympathy for All of you.
We thank God for this friendship, we pray God gives strength to their family and friends
John 11:25
"Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live"
As a kid I have memories of joining the “adults” card game in my Grandma’s kitchen. If my memory serves me correctly, Beth was a master of Up and Down the River. I can still hear her contagious laugh.
I remember Carla using medically correct terminology when we were kids and having to ask my mom what they meant. I now understand the fate of a nurse’s family!
I remember being welcomed to dinners, breakfasts and coffee visits when I lived in Calgary. She was making sure I knew I could count on her and Dennis if needed.
I remember her kind words and support when I was struggling in Nursing school. I cherished our connection as nurses.
I remember instinctively knowing that she was the person to contact when I had furniture to donate. Helping people was just her way.
A million memories add up to a lifetime of influence that her supportive, witty, honest and kind nature has had on my life. I am so grateful for that and I will miss her dearly.
My condolence to Dennis and family at this difficult time.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I was one of Beth's Sistership Teammates and I will miss the hugs we shared, especially this year, when we crossed paths during practices. She had a wonderful spirit and I admired her and was inspired by her.
We trod a little bit of the same path and we shared our experiences, trying to at times find the lighter side.
She was and is a bright light in our lives and she will always be with us in the boat as one of our spirit paddlers.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Heather
She llived Matthew 25:35, For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you made me welcome.
For this reason I will hold her memory in highest esteem.
Beth was generous, kind and an entertaining conversationalist .Memories of her kindness and our conversations would remain always in my heart.
I pray that God grants Dennis and the rest of the family comfort.
She loves to travel and when we have time she talked about the places she went. I am folllowing her path and travelling to different places every year with my family and friends - Thanks to Beth :)
I will miss her dearly, she was my friend, mentor and I always consider her as my family member.
My heaetfelt condolences to Dennis, Sara and Carla and family from me and from my family. You all are will be in our prayers.
I remember being at a potluck with Beth, and eating a roast she had brought. It was heavenly! She humbly said it was all due to the special pot she cooked it in. Well, right away I bought a pot just like that one. I've never had a roast come out of it that tasted as delicious as hers, but I love that each time I use the pot, it's seasoned with memories of Beth - I think of her every time I see it. I thank God for Beth, and for the courage she lived her life with. Dennis, I can't imagine your grief and loss. I pray you feel her love and God's love carrying you through this time. ❤️
Obituary and memories of Beth are heart-warming. A quiet force, accomplished so much and, very generous. Over several lunches or text messages, Beth asked about our family, who were rescued from war-torn Ukraine, two years ago. Quietly, without reservation, Beth made a donation to them. Family forever grateful.
Did hear about baking of the annual Christmas cake and was recipient of some. Delicious.
Beth and I met at Sistership Dragon Boat organization, it was a pleasure to mentor Beth. A steadfast paddler to the end. Thank you Beth for your generosity, caring and kindness. May the angels take you to your resting place. Forever in my heart. Marilyn
You did not just teach me to be a better nurse, you also taught me to be a better person.
I miss you so much!! I am a lost soul without your guidance. You will always be in my heart.
My dear friend, rest in peace, and we will meet again one day. Love you forever.
My heartfelt condolences to Dennis and the family
May God be with you in the days ahead Dennis, Carla, Sara and family.
Hazel, Sharon, Simone, Kathleen.
Thankfully, for ACCP Beth later made a return to us in 2011 to become our manager. The day this was announced, those who knew her were thrilled and those that had never met her quickly discovered they would never find a manger as caring and adept as Beth. She would often say, " If you keep your nurses happy, the program will run smoothly." She brought her experience , her deep knowledge for obstetrics, and her wonderful people skills to build our program. She did this keeping us all laughing with her quick wit!
Over this last year , when we would visit, she still was always interested in the news at ACCP and how each of us were doing in our personal lives. She continued to care about us all in spite of her challenges.
I will miss her a great deal and send my deepest condolences to Dennis , Carla, Sara and family
I knew her working at the Rockyview where she was a wonderful, thoughtful nurse and manager. She always had a smile and time to say "how are you" and chat for a while.
She will be missed.
Barb Browne
Dear Dennis and family:
I would like to express my love to you all. I am praying that the Lord
will give you the strength to go through this difficult time.
I will always remember Beth as the kindest and sweetest that I ever
met. I will always be grateful for the good times that we all shared together.
I will miss her terribly as you all will.
Please accept my deepest condolences.
God bless
Sincerely
Maggie Vides
Dennis, Carla, Sara and families, we are so sorry for your loss but know we sorrow not as those who have no hope.
Beth, we’ll catch up when we get there!
I remember one Grey Cup party. There was no doubt who her favorite team was:))
We are thinking are thinking of you Dennis.
With Beth
Condolences to her family
Liz and I remember when we first met you and Beth in 2016 after our first service at Bearspaw in the theatre. Both of you came to us immediately and inquired where we were from originally. We responded and you told us briefly about your work in Africa and invited us to go out for coffee. We found a lame excuse not to go. The same thing happened the following week with a similar excuse. About a month or so later, our home phone rang, and it was Beth inviting us for dinner the following Saturday. Thank God. It was one of the best visits we have ever had. We shared a wonderful meal and Beth’s delicious blueberry tart. What a Blessing. Beth became a sister immediately.
Dennis, we realize this probably the most difficult time for you and your family. We pray that the peace of GOD, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus during this difficult time (Philippians 4:7). May you find solace in the promises of GOD's Word, knowing that Beth is now in a place where there is no more pain, no more suffering, and no more tears (Revelation 21:4). Her faith has now become sight, and she is beholding the glory of our Lord face to face.
As you navigate through the days ahead, may the Lord Himself be your strength and your refuge (Psalm 46:1). Lean on Him and allow His love to envelop you in these moments of sorrow. Know that you are in our prayers daily and you are not alone. May GOD's grace sustain you and your family as you mourn the loss of Beth.
We wish to leave you with the song “God will work it out” by Maverick City and Naomi Raine. The refrain goes like this: God will work it out, God will work it out, one thing I know, one thing I’ve found, God will work it out.
With heartfelt sympathy, love and prayers,
Liz & Ellis Quarshie
A few years back at a festival in Leduc we hung out in the tent in between races.
We shared stories of our families, our nursing roles and our cancer journey.
I appreciated her strength and genuineness.
A true “ sister”.
Her last paddle with us, she sat in front of me in a seat by herself as I steered the boat.
It was tough practice as we were preparing for the Calgary festival.
I could tell it was difficult for her but she kept paddling as best she could.
After the first practice start, I suggested she just relax and enjoy the ride., which she did.
She sat quietly and peacefully in seat 10 with the wind and water and her sisters paddling in front of her.
She is now and forever one of our “Spirit Paddlers” .
Know that that we will be with you via the livestream on Friday
Her journey was marked by both struggle and triumph, and her determination to continue paddling until the final month of her life exemplifies her indomitable spirit.
Reflecting on my time with Beth, I recall the profound impact of small acts of kindness, such as offering her a ride. These moments reminded me of my father's dedication as my mother's caregiver and the emotional toll such a role can take. In Beth and Dennis, I saw echoes of my parents' journey, which sparked a deep desire to offer support and show them they weren't alone.
Beth's enthusiasm for attending her friend's 50th wedding anniversary in July 2024 and celebrating her birthday during our drives to practice was a testament to her ability to find joy even in difficult circumstances. My description of Beth as a "kick-ass person" paddling despite her condition perfectly encapsulates her strength and passion for life, celebrating her indomitable spirit. She truly inspired all who knew her, demonstrating how to live fully and authentically regardless of obstacles.
It was an honor to share a paddle bench with Beth, and each time, no matter how hard it was, I commended her on her efforts. Her simple yet profound reply was, "Isn't that what we are supposed to do?" This statement perfectly captured her resilient attitude and unwavering determination. I regret not taking up Beth and Dennis on their offers of dinner more often, as those moments of connection and support were invaluable.
While her loss is deeply felt, the strength, humor, and resilience Beth embodied will continue to inspire us all. Her life reminds us of the power of community, the importance of supporting one another, and the incredible resilience of the human spirit. May we honor her memory by embodying the same strength, kindness, and zest for life that she so beautifully demonstrated throughout her journey.
Beautiful inside and out. I valued her friendship
So lovely do nice so warm always happy
And now free of this terrestrial school to heaven with all they friends past
Life and present
From god
master of the univers
And fathers to all of us
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We will come together to remember and pay tribute to Beth. While we mourn the loss of our dear Beth, we also aim to cherish the moments shared and the joy brought into our lives.
Your presence would mean a great deal to us during this time of remembrance and reflection.
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that Beth embodied throughout her life.