Obituary of Helen BETZ

HELEN GRACE BETZ May 31,1906 - October 4, 2009 Peacefully, at the wonderful age of 103, Helen died at Luther Home on Sunday, October 4th, 2009. Helen was predeceased by her husband John and daughter Margaret. She will be remembered by her sister Ruth Smith, daughter Dorothy Froman, (Grant), her granddaughters Barbara and Karen and great grandchildren Hayley and Logan. Her BC family, Kathy (Perry) Schroter and great grandchildren Shauna, Richard and Kenton, Greg Paterson and great grandchildren, Cameron, Bradley and Jaimie, Murray Brandback and great grandchildren Shandell, Shalyn, Daylan, Paige, Aaron, and Luke, Dale Brandback (Diane) and great grandchildren Jordan and Deven, and special family by marriage Oz Nilssen and Norrie Froman, and their sons Chris and Jared. Helen lived life to the fullest. She had a remarkable memory and had many stories to tell about her early years. Helen was born near Belleville, ON and as a young child the family moved first to Moose Jaw and then to Battleford, SK, which remained a special place for her. She met her husband John when she was teaching in a rural school. They were married during the depression and farmed near Battleford. They then moved to Maidstone, SK, where John ran a garage. John and Helen then moved to Unity, SK, where she worked as a secretary for a law firm and enjoyed her work there. They lived there until they retired to Lantzville, BC. Helen's family was everything to her. In BC she played a very important part in the growing up years of Kathy, Greg, Murray and Dale, who have fond memories of her cookies, her sense of humor and her daily walks. After John's death she moved first to Victoria and then to Winnipeg to live with her daughter Dorothy. Helen loved history and reading and was a very skilled knitter. She continued her daily walks, loved family activities, and especially enjoyed the cottage at Ponemah. At the age of 94, she published her book "A Century of Memories" so we still have her stories to treasure. Helen was a remarkable woman, loved by many. She was known as "gram" or "grandma" to many who were not part of her family. Helen was a warm, always caring person. She will remain in our hearts and memories. Our special thanks to the leadership team, nursing and health care aide staff at Luther Home for making Helen's life so special for the last three years. They truly provide love and compassionate care to the residents. A celebration of Helen's life will be held on Friday, October 9, at 7 pm at Luther Home, 1081 Andrews Street. In lieu of flowers friends may make a donation in Helen's memory to Luther Home or the St. James Assiniboia Senior Centre or a charity of their choice. Thanks to special family friend Rhea of Fazzo's for catering. Cropo Funeral Chapel 586-8044