Betty Stevenson

Stevenson, Betty Delores. The sun rose for Betty on Christmas Day, December 25, 1934, and set for her on Saturday, December 22, 2012. Born and raised in Kitchener, she was predeceased by her soul mate and husband of 58 years, Richard Stevenson, whom she met at a St. Mary’s High School dance when she was just 15 years old. Predeceased by her mother, Kataryna Pokrywka (nee Trafidlo) and father, Frank Pokrywka. Devoted and loving mother to Gary, Kelly (Sam) and Julie. Loving ‘Nana Canada’ to Jessica and Jake in California, and adored grandmother to Ryan, plus her four-legged grandchild, Ryder.

Betty was one of many brothers and sisters, who grew up on Strange Street in Kitchener – fondly referred to as the ‘Strange Street Gang’. Predeceased by loving brothers Stan (Mary), Leo (Butchie), Harry (Shirley) Paul and sisters, Mary (Milton), Vicki (Matt). Survived by brothers Jack (Phyllis), Eddie (Betty) and her sisters Eileen (Dennis), Millie (Chuck) Helen (Bill) and Bonnie (Richard). From this large family came dozens of nieces and nephews that made family gatherings through the years so much fun. Betty worked throughout her life and was retired from Kitchener’s Grand River Hospital.

Betty struggled with Parkinson’s disease and Fibromyalgia for over a decade. Through it all, she never stopped putting others first and taking care of everyone around her. She was our angel - a beautiful and pure soul – who never had a bad word to say about anyone, no matter how much she was suffering. The last year brought more illness, including leukemia, which she fought with truly superhuman strength. She was nothing short of tenacious – she embraced every second of her life. She was so loved.

Thank you to our wonderful families and friends near and far who supported us this last year with both parents being ill. Without you, we never could have stayed strong.

Special thanks to the staff at Forest Height Long Term Care (Kitchener) who loved Betty and cared for her the last nine months – we know you’ll miss her too. Love to those extra support workers who helped keep Betty going whether she liked it or not - Julie, Ed and Bernadette.

Cremation has taken place. A memorial visitation will take place at Schreiter -Sandrock Funeral Home, 51 Benton St, Kitchener on Saturday, December 29th from 10am until 12noon followed by a short service in the funeral home chapel. An interment will take place at a later time at Woodland Cemetery in Kitchener. As expressions of sympathy donations to the Parkinson Society would be appreciated by the family. Visit Betty’s memorial at www.schreitersandrockfuneralhome.com.