Wife, mother, grandmother, card player, fashion maverick, jokester, fighter, friend. Born Oct. 23, 1947, in Prince Albert, Sask. Died Sept. 11 in Prince Albert of complications from pneumonia and multiple sclerosis, aged 62.
Bev Sylvestre was an active go-getter from an early age. From dancing on tables to dressing up for Halloween, no one could compare or compete. Looking great was important to her. She was always made up with a new outfit on, matching everything from shoes to earrings.
Bev loved a joke and played many on friends. This outgoing, fun-loving attitude continued almost to the end of her life.
One of two children of Delphine and Jack Ruszkowsky, Bev trained as an X-ray technician and started her career in 1967, working until her health declined. She made lifelong friends with patients, co-workers and doctors.
While working in Estevan, Sask., Bev met her future husband, Henri. They had two daughters, Toddy and Laurel. Around 1975, Bev suffered the intrauterine death of a child. This was perhaps the beginning of her struggle.
Bev began to feel that something was wrong physically. Instead of being devastated or depressed when she was finally diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, she gamely began what turned out to be a 33-year battle. She said at the time, “Well, at least it isn't cancer.”
Bev tried countless remedies from diets to vitamin D to swimming. For years she swam two to three times a week, until she could no longer make the short trip from the dressing room to the pool.
Gradually, Bev lost the ability to walk and her sight was sometimes impaired. With great reluctance, she had to start using a wheelchair. She hated it, but this did not kill her spirit. She continued to enjoy life to the fullest, playing card games with family, drinking countless cups of coffee with friends, telling and laughing at jokes, directing the family finances, giving advice both wanted and not, and boundlessly loving her husband, daughters, family and friends. She said her life was full and busy.
Bev managed to stay at home with the help of many family members and friends. To give up her independence and dignity to such a devastating disease was almost intolerable, but she soldiered on, saying, “I do not regret a minute doing all the crazy things I did. I would not change a thing about how I lived my life.”
Bev’s last five months were spent in a care home. Her loss of dignity was complete. She was on the waiting list for the liberation treatment for MS, but said she was sure she would not be able to make the trip because of her failing health.
During her two days in the intensive care unit, a constant parade of family and friends said their goodbyes. As was her wish, she was buried in her mink coat with makeup and hair done just so. Even death could not kill the essence of Bev – one of a kind to the end. We all miss her dearly.
By Carol Cherkewich, Bev’s friend.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/facts-and-arguments/bev-sylvestre/article1852199/