Beverly Ann Bear

Beverly Anne Bear (Oct. 31,1959 - Jan. 24, 2026)

Bev- known to family as Betty- passed away suddenly on January 24th, 2026 at the Hennepin Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Beverely, a proud member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation, was born in Winnipeg and fostered by the Bahuaud family in St. Lupicin, Manitoba where she spent her early childhood growing up on the family farm. She moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba in her early teens after the family had to sell the farm where she completed high school and then later obtained a bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Manitoba.

 Beverely cared deeply within her role as a community helper, having participated as a project coordinator at the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre in the mid-80s and then at the Indigenous Women’s Healing Centre (formally the Native Women’s Transition Centre) until 1993. Beverly later moved to Minnesota where she continued to grow and share on her journey of life, meeting many lifelong friends and continuing her community helping work in her support of unhoused youth and survivors of abuse.  

At the turn of the century, Beverely made an important decision to become an educator which formed much of her purpose over the next the twenty-five years. As an educator, ‘Miss Bear’ served numerous schools throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul area as a grader, special education assistant, and substitute teacher. She loved to connect with young people who in turn appreciated her humour, style, authenticity and kind heart.

Beverely was immensely proud of her Cree heritage. Bev participated in Ceremonies and Powwows and spent countless hours making cultural crafts to the delight of her family and friends who were often recipients of her beautiful creations. She carried fond memories of travelling to Europe as part of youth group to share, connect, and organize with international Indigenous communities.

Bev enjoyed short road trips around Minnesota and visits up to her family in Canada. These trips were very happy times; full of adventure and laughter, snapping her fingers to the beat of the radio and singing tunes. Bev's big smile was infectious and was always complimented with her signature look of big, sparkly glasses and colorful head scarves.

Bev had countless stories from her childhood and memories of the pranks and escapades she got up to while growing up with her friends and siblings. Her boldness of opinion and contagious laughter will echo in our memories as she now joins her beloved brother Guy, sister Irene, foster parents Lucien and Thérèse Bahuaud, and all her ancestors in the realm of the Great Creator.

We will always miss our beloved Betty, Beverly Anne Bear.  

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