BETTY MCGREGOR

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BETTY MCGREGOR With love and sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Betty McGregor (nee Baker) on May 26, 2018, at the Golden Door Geriatric Centre, Winnipeg, in her 94th year. She is survived by her children: Jim (Judy), Marilyn (Cliff) Zarecki, Bill (Gwen), Joy (Dave) Mintenko and Jan Leishman (Bill Page). She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Keith McGregor, and many nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her husband, Laurie, her sisters, Margaret, Dorothy and Edith, sister-in-law Doreen McGregor, and brothers-in-law, Dean Hughes, Bill Hoye and George Hall. Mom was born in Portage La Prairie but moved with her family to Winnipeg in 1923 where she grew up and was educated in the Lord Roberts area. Her early life was full with Girl Guides, Rosedale United Church, school and friends. Betty and Laurie met at United College and were married the day after Betty turned 21 on August 3, 1944. Their love affair lasted 72 wonderful years and has been an inspiration to their entire family. For Mom, family was always number one and she maintained very close ties with her parents and sisters over the years. She stayed home to raise the children until Laurie decided to start his own lumber business, Finmac Lumber, in 1967. To help support the family as the business started, she went to work for the University of Manitoba, then Federal Taxation and finally Federal Department of Agriculture - Veterinary Services as a secretary. Throughout those years, Betty continued her busy life with leading Girl Guides, teaching Sunday School, sewing, Rosedale United Church, volunteering at Victoria Hospital and Riverview School where she helped children with reading, Kiwanis Club, and hosting many family gatherings at their beloved Delta Beach cottage. She was the matriarch of the family and we will always remember the fabulous Sunday evening dinners at their home - usually with roast beef and a fresh pie from the oven! Mom and Dad were fortunate to do lots of travelling during those years and, after retirement, spent time volunteering and travelling with CESO to other countries where Dad mentored people on the lumber business while Mom taught children English. Mom was an avid reader and also attended University of Winnipeg classes as a senior until in her 80s. The family would like to thank the staff at the Golden Door Geriatric Centre for their compassionate care throughout the past five years. We also want to thank Dr. Sheila Domke for her excellent care and concern along Mom's health journey. The last five years have been difficult for Mom and for the family but great memories of earlier years will stay with us forever. That is the wonderful Mom, Grandmother and Great-grandmother that we will all miss! A private family service and interment will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 02, 2018