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Bob Arkell
Mary Beth's Husband
Mary Beth Arkell
August 15th, 1948 - October 8th, 2026
August 15th, 1948 - October 8th, 2026
"A good laugh is sunshine in the house." — William Makepeace Thackeray
Mary Beth Arkell, 78, of Victoria, British Columbia, passed away peacefully on October 8, 2026, at Beckley Farm Lodge.
Born on August 15, 1948, in Woodbury, New Jersey, Mary Beth lived a life marked by professional dedication and personal commitment to the rights of women. She graduated with a degree in psychology from DuquesneUniversity before moving to Regina, Saskatchewan, with her first husband, Richard Bickley.
Following their divorce, Mary Beth met and married her beloved husband, Bob Arkell, with whom she shared 45 wonderful years until her passing.
A passionate champion for equality, she dedicated a significant portion of her career to social work and served as the head of the Womenʼs Division in the Saskatchewan provincial government. Upon moving to the United States, Mary Beth demonstrated her versatility and entrepreneurial spirit by running a successful desktop publishing business, later serving for several years as the head of Human Resources for Flores Financial in California.
In 2009, she and Bob retired to Victoria, where they enjoyed the beauty and peace of the West Coast. Mary Beth is survived by her devoted husband, Bob Arkell; her stepson, Jason Arkell; and her two sisters, Joann Fahey and Jean Dasch.
Mary Beth received excellent care at the Beckley Farm Lodge the last three years of her life.
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Tributes
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Jean Muhlbaier Dasch
Sisters' Trips. After our mother passed in 2011, we worried about losing touch with each other since Mary Beth was in California, Joann was in New Jersey and I was in Michigan. We started meeting once a year in an agreed on location. We covered cities in US: San Francisco, Las Vegas, Detroit, Myrtle Beach, SC, Sanibel FL; and Canada: Stratford, ON, Vancouver, Victoria. More to my liking, we visited National Parks: Yosemite, Zion, Bryce, and Death Valley. We always had a great time with lots of laughs and lots of wine. As Mary Beth declined, we always met in Victoria from 2022 to 2026 and Bob joined us for more good times.
Bob Arkell
Mary Beth held unwavering convictions about the equality of women and the collective work needed to ensure every woman could achieve her full potential. In her pursuit of justice, she proved that true strength lies in how we treat one another. Mary Beth approached every challenge through diplomacy, deep respect for others, and a unique gift for finding humor to bring people together. Her legacy reminds us that progress is made not just with passion, but with heart, connection, and grace
Bob Arkell
During the quiet, uncertain days of COVID-19, Mary Beth found comfort and renewal in the peaceful open spaces of nearby Beacon Hill Park. Wandering along its winding pathways offered a welcome breath of fresh air and a soothing respite from the worries of the world. She loved finding a quiet, sunlit bench—nestled under the shelter of ancient Garry oaks or overlooking the gentle calm of Goodacre Lake—where she could sit comfortably, rest, and take in the natural surroundings. Surrounded by the gentle rustle of leaves, ducklings gliding across the water, and vibrant flower displays, those simple afternoons in the park became a cherished sanctuary of calm, quiet joy, and effortless tranquility.
Bob Arkell
Friends and colleagues often commented on Mary Beth's engaging laugh. This short 15 second birthday clip is one of those rare occasions where the laugh was actually captured. Mary Beth's sister Joann took the video while Mary Beth and her sister Jean sat at the table in our Clarence House condo in Victoria.
Bob Arkell
Throughout Mary Beth’s journey with Alzheimer’s, Wednesday afternoons at The Blue Room were a deeply cherished bright spot. Whether she was visiting for a hair style and cut, a soothing massage, or a fresh manicure and pedicure, those visits brought her immense joy, comfort, and dignity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire team at The Blue Room. The love, kindness, and courtesy you consistently showed Mary Beth made a world of difference, significantly enriching the quality of her life during a challenging time. Thank you for your extraordinary care and compassion.
Bob Arkell
Mary Beth found immense joy and community in her weekly Tai Chi class. Moving together in slow, rhythmic harmony with her classmates brought a gentle rhythm to her routine, along with deep laughter, lighthearted friendship, and a wonderful sense of shared calm. Beyond the camaraderie, Tai Chi offered profound daily benefits. Often described as moving meditation, its slow, deliberate postures build core balance, improve flexibility, and strengthen muscles without straining the joints. The focus on deep breathing reduces stress, boosts mental clarity, and supports overall vitality—making it a gentle yet powerful practice for long-term health, confidence, and peace of mind.
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