Acadian author Béatrice Desveaux.
-by Rosie Aucoin-Grace
Many residents of the Acadian region are mourning the loss of a very special and unique lady, Béatrice Desveaux. She passed away at the QEII Hospital in Halifax on February, 23rd, 2018, at the age of 89. Born on August 18th, 1928, she was raised in the quaint fishing village of Grand-Étang, daughter to the late Johnny and Laura (Cormier) Aucoin. She was married to the love of her life, Patrick (Packo) Desveaux for 48 years and was predeceased by him in 1998.
To say that Béatrice was a key person in the francophone community would indeed be an understatement. A dedicated volunteer, she was known for her continuous support in local activities and associations. She had an immeasurable love for music and storytelling. Her passion to share these loves was never more apparent than through her radio program on Radio CKJM – Potpourri which aired for 17 years. Throughout her life, she had many different occupations but to her, the most important one was taking care of her family while raising her seven children. She also welcomed numerous foster children into the family and she never met a stranger, only made new friends. As well, she worked as a teacher’s aid with special needs children and was instrumental in the formation of the Marguerite Gallant Museum at the Trois Pignons in Chéticamp where she worked as a guide for many years.
In 2011, approximately 90 people gathered at La Salle des Retraités in Chéticamp for the launch of a very special book, that of Marguerite Gallant – A Legendary Acadian. Family and friends came to support the authors, Béatrice Desveaux and her assistant, Daniel Doucet, as they unveiled this loving memoir of the late Marguerite Gallant of Chéticamp, more specifically, Chéticamp Island. The evening, hosted by La Société Saint-Pierre marked a very special milestone in Béatrice Desveaux’s life as she realized her dream of keeping Marguerite Gallant’s memory alive for years to come.
I remember how special this book launching was and the proud moment as Béatrice took the stage and you could tell it was a very touching and emotional evening for her. She expressed, “Marguerite was very dear and special to me. A woman who I respected and loved very much, someone who made an impact in my life and writing her memoirs was very important to me. I felt that Marguerite’s story should be shared as well as preserved. I wanted her story to go on from generation to generation, for years to come!” She continued, “I am so proud and touched by everyone’s presence here tonight, especially my family, my friends, and the support of the community as we celebrate a lifelong dream of mine!”
Radio CKJM host and dear friend of this author, Daniel Aucoin speaks fondly of her, “I was always impressed with Béatrice’s passion, determination, her joie de vivre and generosity. I believe that we have been extremely fortunate to have her as a member of our large family at Les Trois Pignons. We have always greatly appreciated her knowledge, her wisdom, and her good humour.” He continued, “Béatrice always loved to meet visitors and to share with them, our Acadian community. She is someone that always had the time for others and played an active role in the community. She even had her own radio program at Radio CKJM for many years.” He smiled as he finished with, “Béatrice loved music, concerts, and reading. She loved travelling; her suitcase was always ready for the next trip. It was in Nature that Béatrice found comfort, peace, and healing. She knew how to recognize and appreciate beauty of all that surrounded her. As well, she had a gift for creating a rich and pure environment, the joy of simplicity and oh yes, she loved chocolate!”
“Our friend Béatrice knew how to see the good in people, how to be optimistic about life, always looking on the brighter side and liked to make others happy. This admirable, warm, and smiling lady possessed a rare listening ability. The most important thing I have learned from Béatrice is that you should take advantage of the good things in life, live to the fullest. We will always have great memories of this generous, loving, simplistic, enthusiastic, strong, and courageous woman,” concluded Aucoin.
Over the years, Béatrice devoted countless hours to several associations in the region such as The Acadian Credit Union, Les femmes Acadiennes, La Société Saint-Pierre, Radio CKJM, Co-opérative LeMoyne, AMAC, Paroisse Saint-Joseph, the Red Cross, and the list goes on. She loved to meet people, loved life, always ready to offer her services, knowing how to use her time and energy to help others.
“We are pleased that Béatrice was with us last September when La Société Saint-Pierre celebrated its 70th anniversary,” says Executive Director of Les Trois Pignons, Lisette Bourgeois. “It was fitting to have her there with us as we looked back at the work done by our society. She played an integral part in many of our successes and to have her with us was an honour. We certainly did not think this would be the last time we would see her. We will always be grateful for her contribution in the preservation of our local culture and her pride in the work done by our historical society. Her approval was important to us."
“As Béatrice’s children would say, “Mom took great pride in getting older but never growing up.’
“I will always remember Béatrice as a kind soul, her undying positive outlook on life and her sense of humour. Like a breath of fresh air, she was an inspiration to many. She leaves a legend of strength, faith, and perseverance and her ability to make us believe that all things are possible – to reach for the stars and never give up.”
When we hear the old saying ‘the apple does not fall far from the tree’, this is quite appropriate when talking about Béatrice and her maternal lineage. Her mother Laura and grandmother, Pétronille were very intelligent, impressive women of substance. When I hear stories of Pétronille and how she was a colourful character, her travelling adventures, her sense of humour and gift of storytelling, it is not hard to imagine that these traits and playful spirit were passed on to her granddaughter.
The surface of rural communities is vastly changing and with losses such as Béatrice, just like many of our remarkable ancestors, it will be felt for many years to come for she has left a mark, a legend, footprints in hearts of people she met along the way.
Béatrice is survived by children: Jeannine, Dartmouth; Harvey (Ann), Cheticamp; Elise (Richard), Moncton; Charles (Patricia), Halifax; Colette (Patrick), Lower Sackville; Emilie (Kirk), Coldbrook; and Prescille (Laurie), Chéticamp. She took pride and joy in each new addition to her family especially her grandchildren Nicholas (Niki), Jacques (Samm), Pierre, Jeremy, Jonathan, Michelle, Victoria, and Daniel as well as her great-grandchildren Alex and Will. She also leaves behind her sisters: Corinne Murdy, Jeanne Deveau, Laurel LeFort, Glenna Rainville; brothers: Victor and Maurice Aucoin. She was predeceased by brother Harvey Aucoin and sister Lea Caissie. Visitation for Béatrice took place at Chéticamp Funeral Home on Saturday, March 10th, and funeral Mass was celebrated on Monday, March 12th, at St. Joseph Church, Saint-Joseph-du-Moine with Father Peter LeBlanc officiating with co-celebrant Father Jean Baptist Decoste.
Many came to pay their last respects, a beautiful send-off for this special lady. Fittingly, family and friends gathered at Le Centre de la Mi-Carême after the funeral in celebration of Béatrice’s life.
“In the end, it is not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years.”
