Betty Estella Marrin

Betty is survived by her daughter, Susan Cucchiarelli (Olivio) of Adelaide, South Australia, and many nieces and nephews in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, and the United States. She was predeceased by her husband, Vincent in 1990, her parents John and Beulah Daeley (Hoy), brothers John Daeley and Charles Blais, and sisters Thilda Heppell and Lucille Moison.

Betty was born in Kelowna, B.C., and raised on a farm near Streamstown and Kitscoty, Alberta where she went to school. She loved to play softball and learned to play the piano. When she was older, she left home to work in Edmonton at Woodward’s department store.

Betty met Vincent in Edmonton after the war and then moved to Winnipeg. They married on December 14, 1946 in St. Ignatius chapel, first living in Norwood, then Crescentwood for many years, and Fort Garry in retirement. They belonged to Holy Cross, St. Ignatius, and then St. Vital parishes.

In the early 1950’s, Betty and Vince took possession of a lot on the south shore of Falcon Lake in the Whiteshell. On the first visit, they hiked many kilometres on a muddy ‘road’ to get to the lot. Betty must have wondered what she was getting into. But over the next few years, they worked hard to build their own cottage. And for 40 years, they enjoyed weekends and holidays at the lake, always upgrading, planting trees and gardening, while trying to keep the deer and rabbits away from the vegetables and peonies, and beavers away from the birch trees!. They enjoyed boating and canoeing, and certainly enjoyed welcoming many visitors. And being near the water, Betty learned to swim well into adulthood.

Betty continued to work, as a sales clerk at Eaton’s in the ladies sportswear department for many years, followed by office work at McLeod’s.

On retirement, Betty and Vince became ‘snowbirds’, spending winters in Clearwater, Florida. Over the years Betty became a keen traveller with Vince, seeing much of the United States by car, travelling to conventions, taking a cruise to the Bahamas, and a trip to Europe. Highlights for Betty were a car trip to Alberta in the 60’s to visit her family and then on to the West Coast, the first time she had seen the ocean! And years later, a driving trip to the East Coast with Susan. Recently she was able to see her niece, Jean, and American nieces and nephews. She took many seniors’ trips locally and to the U.S. Betty and Vince travelled to Australia many times to visit Susan and saw many parts of the country.

Betty had a variety of hobbies and interests. She was a superb baker and an accomplished knitter, making sweaters and scarves for all the family, as well as doing needlework and needlepoint. Betty supported Susan’s schools and the Girl Guides. She was member of the Fort Garry Legion. And too, Betty was a keen supporter of the Jets hockey and Bombers football. Not always able to get to games, she watched every game on TV. She attended the Women’s Hockey World Championships.

Betty was very active and loved to go to clubs where she could meet new friends. She played bridge and cards, walked frequently, and learned to cross-country ski, enjoying trips to Assiniboine and La Barrière Parks, and Falcon Lake in winter with Vince and Susan. She went line-dancing, bowling, and carpet bowling, well into her 90’s.

Socially, Betty enjoyed having visitors at home. She and Vince went to dinner dances and many events with the Air Force reserve. Betty enjoyed shopping, movies, and lunches with Susan.

Betty was resilient, and through her life experienced the Great Depression, WW II, the Great flood of 1950 where she was evacuated to Alberta, and the Covid pandemic. But obstacles didn’t deter her. She worked hard but found time to have fun. She was always an elegant and colourful character and enjoyed being social. In spite of her failing sight in the past few years, it didn’t dampen her spirit to join in. She enjoyed life immensely.

Betty was cared for in the past two years by the dedicated staff at Lions Personal Care Home. We thank them for their cheerful ness, care and support.

Due to Covid, and with great distances keeping us apart, we cannot all be with Betty on her final journey but are with her in spirit. We have had so many wonderful years together and will miss her. May she rest in peace, united with Vincent.

Betty’s life will be celebrated with a funeral service on February 1, 2021 at 1:00 pm at Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home, followed by burial at St. Mary’s cemetery. Father Mark Tarrant will conduct the service. For those who wish, you may view the service via livestream on the Thomson "In the Park" Funeral Home Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/1934981230093053