5/28/16 – 12/26/12 5:30 am
“Bea” or Grama Bea as she was known to family and friends was the youngest of five siblings, born to parents Fuller and Elizabeth Cator in Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada. Her father being Superintendent of the School & Church would have Bea accompany him to help clean the Church before Services and in winter, stoke the wood burning fireplace to warm the room prior to Services. When Bea was young, she helped her mother in the kitchen and garden, growing Strawberries to sell, supplementing the families’ income. In her later teen years, while Bea worked in the city as a housekeeper, only during the winter months (she liked the heated homes she worked in). Bea always came back home to help her mother in the Strawberry season, to harvest and sell.
Bea started her own family after marrying Everett George Cain (on his Birthday!) At her parent’s home, in Salem Community, Ontario, Canada. To Bea & Ev, were born, (consecutively) four sons, Edward Alan, Glen Everett, Harold Clare and Philip Myron. The family lived, in Orono, Ontario, Canada on the Cain family farm which was a hardship for newly married Bea, caring for, four small boys (two of which still in diapers). Bea was strong, determined and weathered many bitter cold winters on the farm, adding to her strength of character which sustained her in life.
In 1952 circumstances arose allowing for Bea the chance at an “adventure”As she called it. She and Ev packed up their belongings, picked up the children right from school and headed out with their trailer towed behind them for the United States of America! Bea personally documented their entire “adventure” as they drove cross country through many new states and towns.
Bea and Ev ended their journey in sunny, warm California, living primarily in El Monte from 1952-1958. From there, moved their trailer for a final time, to Santa Barbara. They sold their trailer on Punta Gorda St., where it remains today. They purchased their first home on Canada Street in 1958, where Bea and family resided until their final move in 1964 to Alameda Padre Serra, on the Santa Barbara “Riviera” overlooking the city and Channel Islands. They always said it was “Paradise”.
Bea settled into a life on APS which introduced her to neighbors Clare and Manny Espig. Clare and Bea had a lot in common and have remained best friends through the years. Bea was not only a great friend, but she had her family whom she adored. The boys married, and divorced. Once family to Bea, meant always family. She remained close with former daughter-in-laws to the extent of trying to unite them all as friends. She even invited them, singularly, to live with her, at different times, as circumstances arose. She was loving, kind & a generous person, always lending a helping hand, which was surely appreciated. Bea required nothing in return. How gracious.
Coming from Canada, Everett became a Citizen of the United States of America, together with his son Glen Everett on October 4, 1996 in San Luis Obispo. Bea followed years later with Glen and his wife Kima by her side on June 28th, 2007 at the age of 91!
Bea was an amazing woman. She kept Everett’s Income Property Business in check, with her organizational and bookkeeping skills; all self-taught!She computed the Business Income Taxes, as well as doing the taxes for various family members. She loved to share everything, including her abilities.
Bea had a love for birds and kept many over the years as pets inside, as well as an Avery outside. Bea’s passion and love was gardening. Her general love for flowers, Orchids and Roses in particular, sent her frequenting the Orchid Show at the Earl Warren Show Grounds, as well as the Rose Garden at the Santa Barbara Mission. Bea’s knowledge of Flowers, as well as plants, was extensive.
Bea was a Giver. She never refused an opportunity. Whether it was family or the local charities such as; The S.B. Food Bank, S.B. Rescue Mission, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, The Alpha Thrift, or the 100’s of charitable requests which came in the mail daily. Even if it was small, she gave. Bea gave from her Heart. She had a Heart for those less fortunate than herself. Yes, Bea Believed in Giving. Bea’s Most favored donation, was to Happy Kids Int’l, a Christian based non-profit, where she helped make it possible to feed 100’s of Haitian Orphans, after the devastation of that country; she was very proud of remaining a partner with Happy Kids Int’l. She will always be an Inspiration for not only her family but all who knew her. Teaching by her daily actions, it’s better to give than to receive.
Bea moved to Maravilla Assisted Living Community in June of this year, where she resided in her own apartment, visited regularly by grandson Kenney Cain, as well as her son Glen, who did her daily shopping, watching ver her care & keeping her company along with his wife Kima. Granddaughter Laura Schwartz (Glen’s daughter) was completely instrumental in Beas’s care, as well as Kima’s sister, Miesa and niece Tyler Merkel. Bea loved & cherished the moments with them, as they did with her.
