Elizabeth 'Betty' Giesbrecht

January 27, 1946 – January 30, 2022

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Betty Giesbrecht, 76 years, born January 27, 1946 in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Betty passed away peacefully January 30, 2022 at Pinecrest Home for the Aged.

Betty was preceded by her loving husband Robert Giesbrecht, mother Lillian Lohse (Alfred), grandparents Anne and Robert Meredith, father-in-law Peter Giesbrecht, mother-in-law Yvonne Giesbrecht, brothers-in-law William and Richard Giesbrecht, sister-in-law Brenda Giesbrecht and Chris Wagenaar along with numerous other family members and dear friends.

Betty married Robert (Bob) July 25, 1964 and relocated to Kenora where she lived the majority of her life off the Redditt Road. There they raised their family and became a fixture in the neighbourhood, along with the Iversons, the Doucettes, and the Hatleys. Bob and Betty were well known in the community for the businesses they ran; Bob’s Service center, Bob’s Towing Service, Northwest Disposal and snow plowing for which they helped many people. Bob and Betty enjoyed their membership and involvement with the Kenora Legion, CB Radio Club, the Antique Car Club, to name a few.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, Roberta (Barry Wilcox), Dwayne (Hillary), Dave (Crystal), and her grandchildren Dylan and Melissa Wilcox, Lacey Giesbrecht and little one on the way. She also leaves her very dear aunts, Francis (William) Kliewer, Donna Keam, Phyllis Giesbrecht, Claire (Dave) Dowling and sister-in-law Christine Wagenaar. Betty is survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews who were very dear to her heart.

Betty devoted her life to her children; she ensured they were active and involved in many activities. She was their biggest fan, and taught them to be strong, dedicated, and to always stand up again after a fall. From a subtle grin to an eye-catching cheerleader, one could never doubt how proud she was of her children’s accomplishments. Betty was always there with the greatest enthusiasm for her children and their sport. She was very involved with the J&M Judo Club. She was quick to help with tournaments, chaperone, fundraise, and volunteer. A strong work ethic was always emphasized and balanced with her fun loving nature and sense of adventure. Mom will be missed beyond measure.

As grandchildren came along, Betty was always there to support and love, just as she had done with her own children. Once again, the cheerleader in her came out at the soccer field, Judo tournaments, the hockey rink and riding stable. The way she engaged will be remembered by her grandchildren – we are so thankful for the many memories of fishing, Easter egg hunts, craft time, Ring around the Rosie dances, and simple time spent face to face talking, exploring, and sharing.

Betty is well known to the community for the 43 years she spent as a school bus driver. In the early years with Stevenson's on the Villeneuve Road, then with Alcock Bus Lines, where she worked the majority of her years, forming a lifetime friendship with Bev Alcock and family. The tail end of her career was with Excel Bus Lines and First Student Bus Lines; again, where she developed many close friends and enjoyed going for breakfast every morning after her run.

Betty loved being outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, playing horseshoes, mowing her lawn, blueberry picking or playing with the grandkids. She was always active in sports, her favorites being: golfing, curling and baseball, where she gained the nickname Scooter. It was her passion for baseball that drew her back to the game in later years, coaching the Casey’s team which evolved into Print Gear. This tightknit group was a very important part of Betty‘s social life. We all remember the baseball windups at her house with the scavenger hunts and all the fun games. Mom had so many friends over the years that helped shape her life and contributed to her ‘shenanigans’. A special acknowledgement to her friends Beverly Iverson, Elsie Woosley, Janet Prokosky, and Becky Sharples. Betty also loved to play cards; Cribbage and Rumoli were a couple of her favorites. Casino trips and being part of the horseshoe circuit also made for lasting friendships and fond memories.

An avid smoker and bingo player, Betty was well known for her one finger salute. Her smile was contagious and lit up the room. She was a free spirit with a zest for life who had no trouble speaking her mind, and always left a lasting impression. Her tough and rugged nature never overshadowed her kindness and limitless generosity. Betty will be sorely missed, never forgotten and will live on through the many lives she touched.

The family would like to thank Dr. Wiebe, Dr. Thomas, and all the staff from Pinecrest and Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

A special thank you to Betty’s daughter, Roberta, who spent countless hours taking care of her in her later years. A passionate nurse, Roberta ensured Betty’s health was a top priority and was by far, her fiercest advocate. While in Pinecrest, Roberta visited Betty daily, ensuring she never had dinner alone. In Betty’s last years, Roberta’s energy filled her room with love and a sense of home. Your selflessness and love will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life for Betty will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at 11:00am. Proof of full vaccination and identification is required for attendance. An interment of ashes will be held at a later date. Betty's Celebration of life will be live streamed via https://fweb.tv/71563.

In Lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society or Canadian Cancer Society.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Giesbrecht family.