Beatrice "Bea" Lorraine Niedersteiner
June 28th, 2021
Beatrice (Bea) Lorraine (Anderson-Gilliland) Niedersteiner was born on January 7th 1931 in her parents farmhouse, north of Excel, Alberta, the 7th of 9 kids born to Ezekiel and Elsie Anderson.
Bea battled cancer for the last year and left us on Monday, June 28, 2021 to join her parents, siblings, Lawrence, Ron, Verna, Irene, Lamar, Gordie, Wes and Floyd; as well as her first husband, Jim Gilliland; and her son, Blake Gilliland.
She leaves behind her loving husband and friend of 34 beautiful years, Werner Niedersteiner; her two sons, Dwight (Marj) Gilliland and Rex Gilliland; her stepdaughters, Chris (Bob) Barvir, Monika (Larry) Gygie, Liane (Rick) Blakeley, Tony (Jeannie) Niedersteiner; her 13 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren and many dear friends. Bea will be especially missed by Donna and Gerry who so lovingly cared for Bea and Werner over the last several years.
Bea loved laughter, hard work, helping people in any way she could and men with long last names.
She grew up on a farm her young life, well-loved and spunky. She married Jim Gilliland two months after finishing high school in Oyen, Alberta and immediately became the mother of two young boys, Dwight and Blake. Bea and Jim welcomed a third son, Rex, a few years later.
Bea worked as a stenographer (though she was often deemed the unofficial CEO) while raising her three boys. Bea’s home was always full of guests – whether it was to pop by for a coffee, a beer, or that thing you did not know you needed (but she knew you had to have). She was our historian, the community organizer, the original kijiji, and our confidant.
Bea lived in Brooks and Calgary, where she lost her husband Jim in 1982. After her grief subsided, Bea was lucky to find love again when she met Werner. He introduced her to canoeing and camping and home construction. They married in 1987 and had a wonderful life together.
Bea and Werner decided to move to Didsbury in 1991 where they built their own house. They kept busy organizing bus trips, floor curling, singing in the choir and volunteering at the 50 club. They were a great pair and made many deep friendships in Didsbury and at Westward Ho where they spent many summers at their trailer.
Bea’s exceptional grand mothering skills must be noted. How wonderful to have a Grandma who puts the jar of peanut butter on the counter and pulls out two spoons for you and her to chat while you indulge. A grandmother who frightened and amazed you driving a tiny mustang at top speeds, cigarette in one hand, stick shift in the other and her chubby dog Marty sitting on the console.
Bea was always laughing, optimistic and grateful till the end – she was thankful for every call, visit, and caring moment. In her final days, as we attempted to say goodbye, she would always divert the conversation to – ‘come back and see me soon’. So, Bea – we will not say goodbye, but we will see you soon.
In lieu of flowers, Bea’s family asks that you donate to the Alberta Lung Association or volunteer to help someone in your life, as she always helped others.
A celebration of her life will be held in Didsbury at 1705 16th Street from 2:00-5:00 pm on July 22, 2021.
Bea will be laid to rest with a private service at Mountain View Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Calgary.
Messages:
Dear Werner, Rex and Family, Our hearts, thoughts and love are with you all. Bea was a very special lady…loved by everyone and loved everyone she knew. She was my “ Special Momma Bea”❤️ She may be gone…but will never be forgotten. I will hold all my precious memories in my heart and thoughts. Love you Momma Bea…until we meet again….
Rex: we didn’t know Bea but we do know how very much you loved her. She clearly was a wonderful person and our thoughts are with you. We are so very sorry for your loss. Don & Carol
Our family extends sincere sympathy to Dwight, Rex, Werner, and all family members on the loss of our dear Aunt Bea. With fond memories, we remember her spontaneous laughter, quick wit and friendly nature. She was truly the "Belle from Excel". Thus ends the chapter of the incredible 130 year-old legacy of the immediate Anderson family. Rest in Peace, Aunt Bea!
Dear Werner and family, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Bea. My heartfelt condolences and sincere sympathies are extended during this very difficult and sad time. Bea was a real pleasure to know and to chat with, and I will remember her warm smile and the candid, engaging conversations I had with Bea. My mom, Pauline Russell, sends her condolences and sympathies with this message, as well. Mom has very fond memories of all the times she spent with Bea, and she particularly enjoyed the bus trips with Bea to casinos and other destinations. - Rhonda Hunter & Pauline Russell
I'm gonna miss aunt Bea. She was a great person. There's a hole in my heart. Rest in peace Aunt Bea you'll be missed
The world has lost a beautiful person and she will be missed by all who knew her . She had such a positive attitude and an infectious laugh . We will miss her greatly at the Seniors gatherings . Rest In Peace
One of the most positive persons I have had ever met. I will remember her forever!
Bea was an exceptional lady who extended her love and friendship beyond her family to friends of the family. She was one of the main reasons an Anderson family reunion was held for several years at Wayne where all were welcomed with open arms and a great sense of humour and enjoyed so very much by those of us who had the pleasure of attending. Oyen people will remember Bea and Werner for their musical entertainment at the Seniors Lodge over the years. Our deepest sympathy goes to Werner, her sons, stepdaughters and grandchildren.
Our thoughts are with you, Werner, Dwight, and Rex, at this sad time. Aunt Bea will always be remembered with a smile!
Please accept my sincerest sympathy Dwight, Rex and Werner. She will be missed. Auntie Bea was always the life of the party! I remember Auntie Bea entertaining (being the auctioneer) Grandpa Anderson’s curling crowd of friends in the basement of Grandma and Grandpa's house. Such a comedian she was!! I will have to miss Auntie’s celebration of life but will be thinking of her and of you guys on Thursday. ❤️