Beard, Rosemary
Rosemary Beard- Passed away peacefully at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice surrounded by loved ones on January 31st, 2024. Born Rosemary Dobratz in Mattawa, ON. On February 21, 1956 to Rose Antoine and George Dobratz. She was the 3rd youngest of 8 children. Susan was adopted at the age of 6 and lovingly raised by Florence and Leonard Sherry and 4 siblings.
Susan leaves behind her husband Alan McDaid. Her children Rhonda Martin, Sabrina Julien, and Cheryl Lynn Martin. Her stepchildren Melissa Hutchinson, and William McDaid. Her 14 grandchildren and great grandchild. Her siblings Frank Sherry, Barbara Blok, David Antoine, Darlene Whynott, and Pam Korbelas. Her cousin Beverly Frenette and her many nieces and nephews. Susan is predeceased by her parents, her brothers Jack Sherry, Delmar Dobratz, and Barry Dobratz, sisters Georgina Cromaz, Betty Dobratz, Dorothy Polsen, Ruth Laplante (Dobratz), and her grandson Brandon Sutherland.
Susan was a caring, hard working, and devoted Nurse for over 40 years. Beginning her career in geriatrics and spending the last 21 years of her career as an outpost nurse serving northern First Nations communities. Because of her Algonquin Anishinaabe roots this was her dream. Susan and her husband Alan together served 15 northern communities making a huge impact in the lives of the people in the north and fought and established positive change in the delivery of healthcare in these remote communities. She made friends easily and was loved by the people she met along the way.
Susan also had a big heart for animals. She rescued, rehomed, and added to her family, many of the stray dogs in these communities over these years. Susan loved horses, and spent any free time she had with her Clydesdale horses Ponch and Scott, her ponies Gracie and Dallas, and her bull Blackjack that became part of the herd. She leaves behind her most beloved and loyal little dog Flurry.
Our family would like to thank Dr. Jinnah for her exceptional care in this last chapter of Susan’s life. Susan loved you and trusted you completely. Thank you to the healthcare team at the Nipissing Serenity Hospice for the amazing care you provided to Susan and her family.
We would also like to thank Susan’s community nurse Krissy, her PSWs Louise, and Vicky, and others for their very compassionate care over the last year and a half.
Susan’s celebration of life is to be announced. Instead of flowers, memorial donations will be appreciated and accepted by the Nipissing Serenity Hospice.
