‘My husband is already with you in Heaven and can provide references’: Teacher, 94, writes her own résumé-style obituary listing her experience, training, and objectives in touching ‘application for Eternal Life’
- Beatrice Fediuk (née Hamel) died on February 12 in Winnipeg, and her one-of-a-kind obituary was published by the Winnipeg Free Press
- Her touching ‘application for Eternal Life’ was divided it into seven sections, much like a traditional résumé
- Fediuk wrote to the Lord that her late parents, siblings, and husband John ‘are already with you in Heaven and can provide references for me’
- The mother of one is survived by her daughter Michelle, her son-in-law Perry, her granddaughter Kali, her sister-in-law Simone, and ‘many nieces and nephews’
- Fediuk explained ‘there are no openings for them in Heaven just yet’
- She also addressed the Lord toward the end of her obituary, writing: ‘You know where to find me to further discuss my qualifications’
A Canadian teacher who wrote her own résumé-inspired obituary has captured hearts around the world with her ‘application for Eternal Life.’
Beatrice Fediuk (née Hamel) died on February 12 in Winnipeg at age 94. Her final words were published by the Winnipeg Free Press and later shared on Twitter to the delight of fans.
‘Dear Lord, Please accept my application for Eternal Life. My resumé is as follows,’ she started her one-of-a-kind obituary, which was both touching and humorous.
Much like a traditional résumé, she divided it into seven sections: objectives, references, training, experience, volunteer work, hobbies, and additional information.
Beatrice Fediuk (née Hamel), 94, died on February 12 in Winnipeg, Canada. Before she passed away, she penned a one-of-a-kind obituary that was published by the Winnipeg Free Press
Her touching ‘application for Eternal Life’ was divided it into seven sections, much like a traditional résumé
Fediuk, who was born on October 22, 1927, started with her objectives on Earth, explaining that she wanted ‘to live as independently as possible, as long as possible.’
She also aimed ‘to be honest and compassionate,’ ‘to treat everyone with respect,’ and ‘to demonstrate integrity’ in everything she did.
Fediuk shared her family history in the references section, saying she was one of seven children born to ‘loving parents’ Eugenie (née Painchaud) and Alfred Hamel.
‘They, along with my nephew Guy, and my husband John are already with you in Heaven and can provide references for me,’ she wrote.
‘I have left my daughter Michelle, her husband Perry, my granddaughter Kali, my sister-in-law Simone and many nieces and nephews on earth, as there are no openings for them in Heaven just yet.’
Under training, she detailed how she attended elementary school in Fannystelle, where she was born, and then went to high school at St. Mary’s Academy, as a boarder.
After graduation, she obtained her teaching certificate at Normal School, a teacher’s college in Canada. She started her teaching career in Swan Lake in 1948 and then moved to Tyndall.
‘It was there that I met the love of my life, John, and we were married in June 1951,’ she wrote. ‘Our one and only daughter, Michelle was born 11 years later.’
In the experiences section, she recalled the various teaching positions she held in Winnipeg after she and her husband had settled there.
‘Lord, you know that I never had any “teacher’s pets,” for gifted children already have a greater chance of success,’ she explained. ‘Rather, I put my heart into teaching those with learning challenges, or difficult family situations. It was here that I feel I did my best work.’
Fediuk went on to list her volunteer work, including at St. Ignatius Parish and the Manitoba Music Festival. She continued to work with children after she retired as a volunteer and was known as ‘Aunty Bea.’
‘When it was discovered that our granddaughter had an intellectual disability, I redirected my efforts to educating myself about her diagnosis, so I could support her in achieving her goals,’ she recalled.
‘I loved to cheer her on at soccer games and curling and travelled out of province to watch her synchronized swimming competitions. Our “penny walks” and rides on the Prairie Dog Central are treasured memories. And Lord, she taught me more about what is important in life than I ever taught her.’
As for her hobbies, she ‘cared for many fur babies’ and ‘loved to travel,’ including family trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, and California
The former teacher addressed the Lord toward the end of her obituary, writing: ‘You know where to find me to further discuss my qualifications’
As for her hobbies, she ‘cared for many fur babies’ and ‘loved to travel,’ including family trips to Hawaii, Alaska, Florida, and California.
‘John and I were “Winter Texans” for over 10 years and enjoyed socializing with friends and family in Magic Valley,’ she noted.
Fediuk knit ‘scarves for underprivileged children and Prayer shawls for the sick.’ She also loved to read before her ‘eyesight gave out.’
‘My body began to fail me as well, but Lord, I know that when You close a door, You open a window,’ she wrote. ‘That window was my opportunity to attend the Charleswood Day Program and Riverview Day Hospital, where I met and made many new friends.’
In the final section featuring additional information, she wrote about the last year of her life.
‘At last, I had to face my greatest fear — the loss of my independence — and in February, 2021, I moved to Tuxedo Villa Personal Care Home,’ she said. ‘Thankfully, I had an amazing group of caregivers on Station 2, who kept me safe from COVID-19, as it ravaged the facility and the world.’
Fediuk praised the staff for ensuring her ‘last days were as peaceful and comfortable as possible.’
Winnipeg Free Press journalist Kevin Rollason tweeted screenshots of Fediuk’s obituary, as well as a link to it online, on Sunday
Fans praised the late teacher in the comments, with a number of people insisting she should go straight to heaven
‘Lord, I hope that you will find that I have met my Objectives and deserve a place in Your heavenly home,’ she added. ‘You know where to find me to further discuss my qualifications.’
She then asked her ‘friends and family still on Earth’ to consider donating to one of her favorite charities — Children’s Wish Foundation, Special Olympics Manitoba, Manitoba Harvest, or the Winnipeg Humane Society — ‘so they can continue helping those I cherish.’
Fediuk concluded her obituary by sharing there would be a mass in her honor on Saturday, February 19, 2022. The mass was live-streamed with a private interment of her cremains to be scheduled at a later date.
Winnipeg Free Press journalist Kevin Rollason tweeted screenshots of Fediuk’s obituary, as well as a link to it online, on Sunday.
‘I’ve seen people who have written their own obits and write funny ones, but Beatrice Fediuk is the 1st to put in a resume to get to Heaven,’ she wrote. ‘She has references, experience, volunteer work and she says if the Lord needs more you know where she is.’
Fans praised the late teacher in the comments, with a number of people insisting she should go straight to heaven.
‘Sweet Beatrice is definitely in heaven. She lived life to the fullest and fulfilled her goals. May she rest in peace,’ one Twitter user wrote.
‘She should go to the front of the line,’ someone else added, while another agreed: ‘If she doesn’t get [in], None of us are!!!’
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