Advanced Search:


Regular Search
ad
❮ Go Back to Listings
LAURIE POTOVSKY-BEACHELL  Obituary pic

LAURIE POTOVSKY-BEACHELL

Date of Passing: Dec 26, 2014

Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or Memory

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

LAURIE POTOVSKY-BEACHELL With sadness we announce the passing of Laurie Potovsky-Beachell, wife of Alan Beachell of Rosser, at home on Friday, December 26, 2014, with family at her side. Laurie fought a 17 year battle with cancer and with determination took charge of her health and treatment plans. Laurie said "change has defined my life" and that was certainly true. She was raised in North Hollywood, lived for a time in San Diego, Los Angeles, Toronto and Vancouver and then in Rosser, Manitoba, for the past 28 years. After living in large cities in both the United States and Canada and making her mark in the corporate world, Laurie made her final home on the farm in Rosser, happily puttering in the garden, growing and cooking many unusual and amazing things. In her early years Laurie worked for several large corporations; Vancouver Board of Trade, North East Coal Development, Expo 86; and later had her own conference planning business in Vancouver. Laurie's passion for art began early in life and remained a constant throughout her life. She was a weaver, a painter, a poet and a writer. She had several showings of her art over the years; South Interlake Wave Tour, Winnipeg Art Gallery, Assiniboine Park Conservatory and Cancer Care Manitoba. Laurie was a charter member of Chemo Savvy, Manitoba's first breast cancer dragon boat team, paddling with the team in Canada, the United States and in Italy. She was a strong advocate for women's health and patient rights through her involvement with the Prairie Women's Health Centre of Excellence and the Consumers' Association of Canada (Manitoba). Equally important to Laurie were her writing groups, Venus Rising and Wednesday Women Writing on Tuesday, where she composed many short stories and poems. Laurie helped to compile the 100 year history of Rawcliffe Grange (the Rosser farm), the history of the R.M. of Rosser and Chemo Savvy. Laurie will be lovingly remembered by Alan, her husband of 28 years, sons Mark and Steve Potovsky, granddaughter Naomi, family in the United States, Alan's family and a multitude of friends. Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue. The Celebration will begin at 2 p.m. with a viewing of Laurie's art work and a chance to meet the family. Formal presentations will begin at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Chemo Savvy Dragon Boat Team, P.O. Box 26039, 676 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0M0 or to a charity of your choice. Expressions of condolences may be sent to condolences@nbardal.mb.ca "What next? Who knows, but it will be something. But looking back through all the changes in my life, in true Scorpio fashion, I feel quite triumphant!" - LPB NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Jan 3, 2015

LAURIE POTOVSKY-BEACHELL With sadness we announce the passing of Laurie Potovsky-Beachell on Friday, December 26, 2014, at her home in Rosser, Manitoba. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, January 7, at 2 p.m. at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame Avenue (across from Brookside Cemetery). Full obituary will appear in the Saturday, January 3, edition. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com
Publish Date: Dec 30, 2014

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2015

Condolences & Memories (11 entries)

  • Laurie was a Great Lady. She was Determined, Knowledgeable, and Energetic. She truly was an inspiration and a real fighter. Laurie was definitely a talented artist. I had seen some of her art shows, which were Wonderful. When I started painting my second paddle at the farm, Laurie and I talked about how some of her pieces began. We had a great talk. She will be missed by All. You are flying with our Angels now. - Posted by: Patricia Clapa (Chemo Savvy Sister) on: Jan 07, 2015

  • "How do you keep a wave upon the sand?" could have been asked of Laurie for life as an adventure of exploring, creating, sharing, seizing hope in all situations seems to have defined her. We met in the 80's when we worked together at ECBC and North East Coal...a long time ago. When the urbanite moved to the farm, I was not alone in being amazed but Alan had captured her heart and she embraced her new life with gusto. It was such a good decision! Blessings in your grief to all who have been close to Laurie in more recent times. Her joy will continue to radiate. - Posted by: Helen Patterson Worley (Friend) on: Jan 07, 2015

  • Laurie you were one of the strongest, most talented women I have had the privilege of knowing. You inspired many people, not just your fellow paddlers. You will be missed by all who knew you. - Posted by: bronwen kozak (Chemo Savvy Teammate) on: Jan 07, 2015

  • Laurie graciously opened her home and garage for many during our cancer journeys. It was truly amazing what I learned from attending Art Theray Sessions through CancerCare Mb. The warmth, comfort and support that Laurie gave to each and every one of us was so special. The hours spent in her garage painting our paddles was definitely art therapy. Through Laurie we are all warriors. She gave us courage to walk through our journey. Thanks Laurie! I will miss her. - Posted by: Judi Jansen (Chemo Savvy Teammate ) on: Jan 04, 2015

  • So sorry I will not be at what I know will be a heartfelt and devoted celebration of the life of my dear friend and soulmate. - Posted by: Sandy Glass (Friend) on: Jan 03, 2015

  • Everyone at Pilates Manitoba loved Laurie so much. We had many great conversations about all topics of the day or heart in the front lobby before and after classes. Laurie was always so brave and determined in living with cancer so successfully, never missing a class even when feeling unwell. Laurie remains an awesome inspiration of hope, strength and courage for my colleagues and I. I know that she loved all of my colleagues so dearly and was grateful for their brilliant, loving instruction just as we were grateful for her friendship and dedication to her Pilates practice. We remain grateful for her and cherish our friendship with her. She will be sadly missed. The studio will never be the dame without her. Our hearts go out to her family for their loss. - Posted by: Annabel Scott (Owner of Pilates Manitoba where Laurie took Pilates lessons) on: Jan 03, 2015

  • I met Laurie when she opened her lovely home to several Chemo Savvy Dragon Boat Team 'newbies' where we began the process of painting and personalizing our new paddles. Laurie's country home and property was a perfect relaxing setting for our task, and a special opportunity to get to know each other as well as her. Laurie gave me a tour of her home and discussed the many paintings she had created. That's when I realized how talented she was. It was a special moment in time I'll always remember. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. - Posted by: Reena Normandale (Chemo Savvy kindred spirit) on: Dec 31, 2014

  • Our sincere condolences to all the family. Lady Laurie brought a lot of love and laughter to Cousin Allan and family for many years. She will be missed. She bore her illness bravely and has earned her peace. Love to all. - Posted by: Denise Beachell and Family (cousins) on: Dec 30, 2014

  • My condolences to Laurie's family and friends at this sad time. I have known Laurie since 2002 and was fortunate to not only paddle with her, but also attend Pilates classes and several other activities over the years. I was also lucky enough to attend one of her art gallery showings... she was a very talented lady, as well as a brave and gentle soul and with a great spirit... she will be missed. - Posted by: Cathy Freedman (Chemo Savvy Teammate) on: Dec 30, 2014

  • I am so sorry for your pain at this time. xo - Posted by: Cyndy Harrison (distant relation) on: Dec 30, 2014

  • So sorry to hear of the passing of such a beautiful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with family and friends who had the chance to be touched by Laurie's presence. Donna and Jiri. - Posted by: Donna Rozporka (friend) on: Dec 30, 2014

Neil Bardal Inc. (Winnipeg)

Neil Bardal Inc. (Winnipeg)

3030 Notre Dame Ave (Map)
Ph: 2049492200 | Visit Website

❮ Go Back to Listings