Beatrice Ruszkowski
December 22, 1936 – April 4, 2025

With deep love and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Beatrice Ruszkowski, affectionately known as Diddy, on April 4, 2025, at the Good Shepherd care home, with her beloved family by her side.

Beatrice was born in Prince Albert on December 22, 1936, and raised in the School District of Russelville. She attended Russelville School until Grade 8, continuing her education by correspondence – a testament to her determination and strength of character from a young age.

From 1952 to 1957, she worked at the Danish Home Bakery.

In 1949, Beatrice met the love of her life, Frank Ruszkowski. After many years of courtship, they married on August 17, 1957, beginning a beautiful life together. In 1958, they purchased land on Millers Hill, east of the city, and built a home that would grow alongside their family. Over the years, the small house expanded through numerous additions and renovations, becoming a cherished gathering place for their large and lively family.

Affectionately called “Diddy” by her sister Kris, who as a child couldn’t say “Beatrice” or “sister,” the name stuck and became her treasured nickname among family, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles. To others, she was known as Bea – or lovingly, “Queen Bea.”

Beatrice and Frank were true entrepreneurs, operating a successful earthmoving business, a farming operation, and even a ski hill. Their kitchen table often doubled as a boardroom for lawyers, accountants, and salespeople alike. More than that, it was a space of listening, advice, and love – where Mum was a sounding board for cousins, friends, and neighbours. She was the strong and loving matriarch of her family, offering unwavering support and guidance to her eight children, their spouses, her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Beatrice had a deep love for her garden and took pride in the beauty of her landscaping. Her green thumb and nurturing spirit brought life and colour wherever she went.

In 2017, Beatrice and Frank moved into the Good Shepherd, where she spent her final years surrounded by care, comfort, and newfound friendships. Her family is forever grateful to the staff and residents who shared this part of her journey.

Beatrice is survived by her devoted children, Richard; Robert (Brenda) – Adam (Heidi) Blake; Randall (Shannon) – Clayton (Grace), Otto (Bree), Audie, Huxley, Aleksi, Linea (Dustin), Eilee, Wynn, Reese, Niklaus (Crystal), Wren; Shelley (Steve) – Scott (Mandi), Nash, Collins, Samantha (Mo), Maalik; Monica – Megan (Ryan), Palmer, Harvey, Conrad, Evan (Jensen); Tamara (Wilf) – Luke (Caitlyn); Frank III (Kim) – Frank IV Lane (Kansas), and Alina; Benjamin (Jackie) – Jenna, Jesse, and Emily. Her siblings, Kris (Walter) Wawro, Ann Dmyterko, Cherry Neil, Billy (Pam) Nikolaisen; brother and sisters-in-law, Teddy, Peter (Stephie), Margaret (Burt) Majchrowski, Carmen, Rita.

She was predeceased by her husband, Frank JR Ruszkowski; dear granddaughter, Rebecca; her parents, Peter and Maude; her brothers, Neil (Pat), Hans (Paulette); father-in-law, Frank SR; and mother-in-law, Maria; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Ed Dmyterko, Bob Neil, Joe (Mary), Rose (Bob) Salsbury, Jack (Delphine), Eddie (Ann), Clarence, Tom, Shirley, Metro (Jean) Abramyk.

Her legacy is one of love, resilience, generosity, and devotion. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The Prayer Service for Beatrice will be held at 7:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at St. Mark Parish, 581 9^th St E, in Prince Albert, SK, with Father DJ Vu officiating. The Funeral Service will take place at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, April 11, 2025, at St. Mark Parish, in Prince Albert, SK, with Father DJ Vu officiating. Interment to follow at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be left at https://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/riverpark/obituaries/beatrice-ruszkowski/139946.html . Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of River Park Funeral Home, (306) 764-2727, Sarah Naytowhow, Funeral Director.

• Date : 2025-04-04
• Location : Prince Albert, SK