Betty Jean Guilmette

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Betty on April 9, 2022, at 69 years of age.

Betty will be lovingly remembered by her family and many friends. Left to mourn her passing are her devoted husband Edouard, son Alain (Erin), and grandchildren Colin and Hannah. She will be greatly missed by her sister Shirley (Pierre), her cousin Lois, and her many nieces and nephews and their families: Glenn (Brenda), Kim (Bruce), Marc (Jacqueline), Michelle (Scott), Coral (Matt) and Stephanie (Ryan).

Betty was predeceased by her father Herman Kasper, her mother Hilda Kasper, and her sister Gloria.

Betty was born on June 2, 1952 in Winnipeg, Manitoba and was a proud North Ender! Her early childhood years were spent playing with the neighbourhood children on Chambers Street. She attended Pinkham Elementary School, General Wolfe School and graduated from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate.

She met the love of her life, Ed, at a house party in 1968. They married on June 17, 1972 and eventually settled into their present home in St. Vital. Their home quickly became the gathering spot for family and friends, with holidays and special occasions spent gathered around the living room and kitchen. Betty made everyone feel welcomed and always ensured there was enough food, including her signature Nanaimo Bar, to feed an entire army!

In 1984, Betty and Ed welcomed their son Alain, who completed their family. Alain was her pride and joy, and she left her job at MTS, where she had risen to the position of Manager of Directory Assistance, to devote her time to him. Betty joined a Moms’ and Twos program and maintained these friendships throughout her life. Gathering for children’s birthday parties evolved into gatherings at Aalto’s to exchange family news. Wanting to be involved in Alain's school experience, she volunteered with the Norberry Nursery School and the St. Vital French Immersion Society and was a member of various parent councils. She was definitely a force to be reckoned with! Betty was a staunch supporter of Alain’s musical career, hosting band practices in her basement and attending all of his shows.

Betty eventually returned to the workforce at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), working her way up to the position of Manager of Office Services. She had an amazing work ethic, doing whatever it took to get the job done, and was a mentor to younger employees, giving freely of her time to help them advance within their own careers.

When Betty retired from CFIA in 2017, she and Ed took the opportunity to travel, embarking on a month-long trip to France and England. Other special vacations during their life together were their Hawaiian and Alaskan cruises and their trip to the East coast. Trips to the family farm in Sundown, Manitoba were always a source of enjoyment. Here, Betty could often be found skipping down the road with her adoring nieces and nephews in tow, singing "I'm A Nut!” to their utter delight! Betty also enjoyed the drives to Ed's hometown of McCreary, Manitoba and visiting Brereton Lake in the Whiteshell.

Betty was absolutely thrilled with the arrival of her grandchildren, Colin and Hannah, and cherished her role as Nana G. Her energy knew no bounds, and she was always looking for outings or crafts to do with them. Baking became a favourite activity, with the kids often requesting to bake her trademark chocolate chip cookies.

Throughout her life, Betty exemplified strength and kindness. She was a pillar, not only within her family, but with her many friends, and continuously inspired those around her with her unwavering love and compassion. Betty made sure to stay connected and was always available for late-night calls where she listened with a non-judgmental ear.

We deeply mourn her loss, and wish to extend a special Thank You to the paramedics and the doctors at St. Boniface Hospital for their efforts and for the care that Betty received.

An interment service will be held on June 2, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Thomson “In the Park” Cemetery. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life with family and friends at the family residence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Cardiac Sciences Manitoba at the St. Boniface Hospital or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.