Obituary of Beryl Ann Gedies (nee Stone)

Beryl Ann Gedies: July 8, 1940 - August 30, 2022 In her 83rd year, after a long and valiant battle during the last seven years. Beryl Ann Gedies (nee Stone) succumbed to the debilitating disease of Myotonic Muscular Dystrophy and other related illnesses at Victoria Hospital, London. She passed away peacefully and without pain during the last few days of her remarkable life. Beryl was born and raised in Glasgow, Scotland where she completed her elementary and secondary education. Upon graduation from a three-year program in Occupational Therapy at the University of Edinburgh, Beryl decided to explore the cultures of other countries while working in various capacities. Between her travels and stop-overs in North America, she worked as an OT in Vancouver, Montreal and London, Ontario where she met her soul mate Gerhard Gedies, for the last fifty two years As a dedicated Mum to her children Grant (Carolynne), Scott(+) and Ingrid Macey (Bryce) and as a devoted Nana to her beloved grandchildren, Ethan and Skylar, Beryl will be sorely missed. Sister Jill Stone and Clare Pirie(+) (Jim)a, brother Peter Stone (Dorothea) and nieces Melanie (Mike) Van Doorn and Wendy Stone; parents Harry(+) and Mabel(+) Stone; nephews Martin Stone and Fraser Pirie(+) as well as the respective Gedies' families will cherish their fond memories of Beryl forevermore. Beryl was quite active in the community of Dorchester and surrounding area. She was a committed volunteer participant of the UCW United Church activities, Girl Guides of Canada, Meals on Wheels deliveries and the VON support work helping the elderly with their emotional and physical needs. This caring attitude followed many of the elderly at their rest homes with regular visits. In addition to running the household and the GSI group administrative office duties, she adapted seamlessly to Country Life as an avid organic gardener, animal farm hand and farm fresh egg collector. In her fifties, Beryl teamed up with her beloved husband Gerhard to plant and nurture no less than 12,000 tree seedlings on their woodland as a contribution to the environment. Beryl was also a passionate bargain hunter and loved to drag her daughter and grandchildren to countless garage sales to find items for those in need. Many thanks go to the doctors, nurses and support staff of Victoria Hospital, the Parkwood Institute and caring staff at the McMaster Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinic, McMaster University Hospital for their unconditional support. We are also grateful for the unwavering dedication and support of our family doctor, Dr. Stephanie Stocco, Physiotherapist Christine Smit, Outreach Nurse Kelly Hovorka and PSW Anna Scott. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2022 at the Dorchester United Church, 4100 Catherine Street, Dorchester with visitation 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. with the memorial service to follow at 1:30 p.m. Refreshments to follow. Donations would be appreciated to the McMaster Pediatric Neuromuscular Clinic, c/o Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, 1200 Main Street W., Hamilton, ON L8N 3Z5 or to Bereaved Families of Ontario - Southwest Region, P.O. Box 22067, London, ON N6A 6H8 Private interment of cremated remains Dorchester Union Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.biemanfuneralhome.com (Bieman Funeral Home, 3970 Hamilton Road, Dorchester, ON N0L 1G2 - (519)-268-7672 - in charge of arrangements)