Paulina Maria Beck

Paulina “Paula” Maria Beck, August 19, 1932 – February 7, 2021.

Paulina “Paula” Maria Beck, loving wife, mother to nine children, a gifted fashion designer, knitter, dancer and an extraordinary baker and cook, passed peacefully at the age of 88 at the Carberry Personal Care Home.

Originally from the Netherlands, Paula was a fashion-forward, elegant woman who emanated panache from head to toe. In her early adult years, she worked as a seamstress, dance instructor, and lifeguard. When Henk met Paula, he was dazzled. It was love at first sight. His mother worried that Paula was too headstrong and independent to make a good wife, but Henk thought otherwise – and their love story over the next six decades proved him right!

Henk and Paula married on March 5, 1957 and immigrated to Canada in July 1960, settling in Flin Flon, Manitoba with four children in tow. Five more children were born in Canada, including two sets of twins. Always with an eye on the next opportunity, their Canadian adventure saw the family live in many locations, including Flin Flon, Cranberry Portage, MB, Denare Beach, SK, and Lynn Lake, MB, before settling in Leaf Rapids, MB. After many years in northern Manitoba, they moved to Churchbridge, SK. A few years later, Paula and Henk with their two youngest children settled in Carberry, MB, where they remained.

A devoted mother to Remo, Brigitte, Mary, Henri, Skyler, Paul, Jean, Deanna and Debbie, Paula nourished us with homecooked meals, tailored our clothes and instilled strong values. She was the bond and glue that kept our crazy and loving family together. Her motto in life was “it’s okay to get pissed off but just don’t stay that way”. If you wanted no-nonsense, honest advice, you’d ask Mom. If you needed it done, you’d ask Mom. She was a fierce warrior who made sure you didn’t mess with her children – and taught her children to be confident, honest and loving, and to take care of themselves, at the same time.

A beautiful and elegant dancer, Paula, along with handsome sidekick Henk, graced plenty of dance floors at community functions. Henk, a lifelong member of the Royal Canadian Legion, enlisted Paula to knit beautiful sweaters to donate to the Legion Tea fundraiser. To this day, many members of the community still proudly don an original ‘Paulina’ creation.

Paula and Henk loved travelling to Spain and spent many winters there, living out their retirement dreams. As Paula’s health deteriorated, and she moved into care, she continued to carry herself with dignity, and retain a sense of style. The family would like to thank the Carberry Personal Care Home for honouring Paula’s character and making sure her nails were always painted when family could not be there to do them. The home accommodated visits from her children, working out complex schedules due to COVID-19 protocols. We are grateful for your compassion and professionalism during these particularly challenging times.

In her final moments, with family by her side and hands held, Paula was recited all the names of all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A single teardrop rolled down Paula’s cheek as she took her last breath. We are so grateful for her peaceful transition – and find solace knowing she will forever remain in our hearts, our memories and our dreams.

Paula will be missed by her husband Henk, her nine children and their spouses and her 22 grandchildren (and spouses) and 17 great grandchildren, as well as many relatives in Holland and Spain, including brother Theo and sisters Ria and Willy. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice in Paula’s name.

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