Elizabeth Lowe Smith

Betty is survived by her children Rick (Simone) in Whitehorse, and Nancy (Joel) in Ottawa; grandchildren Stephen, Lyndsay, Kristian (Natalie), Hayley (John), and Ian; sisters-in-law Eileen and Ruth; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Vern, sister and brother-in-law Ethel and Wilf, and brothers Jim and Ron.

Betty was born at home in Fort Garry in a December blizzard, and attended General Steele and General Byng schools. She and Vern married during the Great Flood of 1950, and since they couldn't drive to Minneapolis for their honeymoon, they rolled up their sleeves and filled sandbags instead.

Betty wore many hats throughout her life, including: portrait artist, model, secretary, world traveller (thanks to the wonderful opportunities through Vern's work at CPAir and in the travel industry), volunteer driver at the 1967 & 1999 Pan-Am Games, Manitoba certified fitness leader, breast cancer survivor, dragon boat paddler, movie extra (“Shall We Dance” and “You Kill Me”), recipient of the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award, but perhaps most importantly, hugger extraordinaire!

Funeral service and reception will be held at St. Georges Anglican Church, 168 Wilton Avenue at Grosvenor, Saturday, March 17, at 11:00 am with The Reverend Simon Blaiklie officiating. Interment to follow at Thomson “In the Park” Cemetery, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.

The family extends their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at Sarsfield Colonial Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer Society, CancerCare Manitoba, or a charity of your choice.

“Keep smiling through, just like you always do.”