Beryl Margaret Ousey

Beryl Ousey passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 92. She was born in 1932 in Rochdale, England, the oldest of four daughters of Lillian and Percy Grindrod. At the age of 18 she met Ronald Ousey at a dance. They married and soon after Janet and Valerie were born. In 1957 Ron’s oldest brother, Joe, encouraged them to join him in Ontario, Canada. There Roger and Debbie were born. For several years they operated a successful restaurant in Windsor. But always looking for a better life they were enticed by friends to come to California “ where people wear shorts and sandals all year round. “ Swaying palm trees were too hard to resist and to their good fortune in 1964 they came to Santa Barbara. Fours years later they opened the very well remembered Encina Restaurant. Both Ron and Beryl grew up in poverty but were willing to work tirelessly. Their story is definitely one of attaining the American Dream. Beryl’s family would like to thank the caring staff of the Buena Vista Convalescent Center. Beryl often described the years she resided there as some of the happiest of her life. May she rest in peace.