Elizabeth Marie Bastien
1960 – 2013
Elizabeth Marie Bastien died peacefully at her beloved home on Salt Spring Island, BC August 12, 2013 at the age of 52.
Beth was the eldest child of the late Elizabeth Ann Begg (Bastien) of Kingston, Ontario and the late William James Bastien of Matawa, Ontario. Beth grew up in St. Catharines, Ontario.
She is survived by her husband Seth Berkowitz of Salt Spring Island, BC; sister Micha Bastien-Lachance (Raymond) of Welland, Ontario and their 3 children; brother Guy Bastien of St. Catharines, Ontario and his 2 children; her aunt Barbara Ellis of St. Albert, Alberta; and her aunt Marie Hallett (Brian) of Kingston, Ontario.
Beth was employed by the federal government in Hamilton before moving to Vancouver, BC in 1990 where she continued with the public service. Beth was a City Facilitator for the Homelessness Initiative before returning to university to earn her Master’s degree in Public Policy at Simon Fraser University. At her passing Beth was the Senior Public Policy Analyst with the Native Women’s Association of Canada in Ottawa, which included the Sisters in Spirit – an initiative she cared for deeply.
Beth served on the Board of Directors of Salt Spring Women Opposed to Violence and Abuse (SWOVA), and she was learning to play the violin in her spare time.
Beth’s life was filled with artistic expression, especially a passion for textiles. She will be remembered by many for carrying a knitting project wherever she went. Recently Beth had taken up weaving. She had only just begun a personal transformation where creating art was becoming her primary pursuit. Beth’s successful exhibition of her artwork at ArtSpring in 2012 was one of her early steps along this new road. Beth’s far too many unfinished and unrealized projects are a reflection of her creative drive, and a gentle reminder that our time is often cut short.
There will be a ceremony at her burial at the Ganges Community Cemetery – Salt Spring Island, Thursday, August 22nd, at 2pm. Visitors will be received at 141 Pine Place from 3pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm.
Donations please to Lady Minto Hospital of Salt Spring Island, Royal Jubilee Hospital of Victoria, or the BC Cancer Agency.