Betty Mann

Mann - It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Betty Mann on January 25, 2012 with her children by her side. Mom will be deeply missed by her children: Peggy Dunlop (Arnold Poole): Steven (Jamie) Dunlop - Jordan, Ackerley, and Ashton; Doug (Val) Mann: Teri (Chris Parrot) and Dallon; Derrick (Verna) Mann: Devin (Lindsay) - London and Tay, Byron (Sarah) - Gavin; sister Enid Spittal; brother Lorne Mount; as well as nieces and nephews and her dog Rufus. She is predeceased by her husband Harvey; grandson Brian Dunlop; parents Margaret and John Mount; siblings: Doug Mount, Neil Mount, Shirley Grinyer, Howard Coleman, Bruce Coleman, and her dog Herbie.

Mom was born in Georgetown, Ontario to Jack and Margaret Mount on January 8, 1935 – the exact same day as Elvis Presley, and every year around her birthday we were always reminded of the similarity.

Mom and Dad met in Grimsby, Ontario and they were soon married. Peg was the first born, and in the spring the family would move to the Drummond Creek area where Mom and Dad farmed. Farming was challenging and the family would return to Ontario in the winters to find work. Mom also obtained her hairdressing certificate to help supplement the family income.

Three years after Peg, Doug was born, with Derrick born six years later.

Mom always took an active role in the farm, from cooking meals, maintaining a huge garden, to picking rocks and roots alongside Dad with Peg and Doug regularly sleeping on the stone boat. Mom loved to bake, can her garden produce, and pick Saskatoons which were later made into the most delicious pies.

Mom had many passions including painting with acrylics, ceramics which she would fire in her own kiln, and her greatest passion: sewing. She would sew clothes for herself and us kids, and this would later lead to her love for quilting. She also loved curling in the winter, usually skipping, and by her own admission commenting on how she hated to lose.

In 1978, Mom and Dad built their home in Battleford and once in town, Mom joined several quilting guilds and became a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Battleford Legion.

Living in town Mom’s role on the farm decreased, but she was never idle, often attending antique auctions, working in her gorgeous yard, attending to her prized lily patch, and being a meticulous housekeeper.

Over the years Mom very much enjoyed seeing the grandkids and watching them develop into adults and become parents of their own. She got to watch the first three great-grandsons Jordan, Ackerley, and Ashton become young men and graduate. In the last three years three more great-grandchildren have arrived with Gavin, London, and Tay, and news of another on the way. She loved seeing the little ones, always having some kind of treat for them.

For the past 10 years, Mom has enjoyed the company of her special babies, Herbie and Rufus, or simply known as The Boys.

Mom said in 2010, she was going to buy herself her last new car and she wasn’t going to scrimp, so she was very proud of her new black Taurus.

Love you always, Mom!

Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for Betty’s life was held on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at 1:00 pm from Chapel of Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner, North Battleford, with Mrs. Joyce Salie officiating. Shared family memories were read by her children Peggy, Doug, and Derrick. The Urn Bearer was Derrick Mann. Interment will take place at a later time. Donations in Betty’s memory may be made to BUH Foundation for Palliative Care (PO Box 1358, North Battleford, SK S9A 3L8) or to a charity of the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Sallows & McDonald - Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford, SK. (306) 445-2418.

Card of Thanks

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Paul’s, RUH, as well as Scott Parker and the palliative care unit at BUH, who took very good care of Mom. Thanks to our friends, family, and community for the love and support received during this time. The compassion, flowers, cards, food, and donations have meant so much to us. To Kristeen Nylander and the rest of the staff at Sallows and McDonald – Wilson and Zehner Funeral Home, it would not have been such a great tribute to Mom without your professional guidance as well as your personal support.

Thank you so much!

From the Mann Family