ELIZABETH DIANA PATRICIA ALWARD (O'HARA)

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ELIZABETH DIANA PATRICIA ALWARD (nee O'HARA) January 4, 1928 March 17, 2011 Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality -Emily Dickinson It is with profound sadness our family announces the peaceful passing of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Alward (nee O'Hara). During the early morning hours of Thursday, March 17, Mom passed away quietly in her sleep. She lived her life with great dignity and courage and to the end she demonstrated the indomitable spirit of her family legacy the Fighting Irish . It is fitting then that Mom began her next journey on this St. Patrick's Day. Left to cherish Betty's memory is her daughter with William James Bain, Sharon Maureen Alward (Kim Marshall); grandchildren Kyla Lynn Hoffman (nee Martin) (Brett), Michael James Marshall (Stacey), Jamie Scott Marshall (Jennie), Melissa Ann Donna Stein (nee Marshall) (Harry); great-grandchildren Wyatt James Marshall, Quinn Hazel Marshall, and Rory Maureen Marshall; second daughter with Harry Burton Alward, Maureen Patricia Larkin (nee Alward) (Tom); grandchildren Sean Patrick Larkin and Shanon Larkin; and with Neil Atkinson; daughter Wilma Christine Kroeger (Werner) and grandson Nathan James Kroeger; many loving friends; and in particular she will be greatly missed by her BFF Irene and the gang at the Seine River Retirement Residence. She was predeceased by her husband Harry Alward in October 1986; life partner and great love Neil Atkinson on June 2009; parents Estelle (Stella) O'Hara (nee Ellis) and Clarence (CL) O'Hara as well as her brothers, John (Jack), William, Richard, Patrick and her half-sister Rene Wright. Betty was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, at the beginning of the Great Depression. She was well taken care of through the support of her father, a station master and engineer who moved up to Canada from Los Angeles to work for CP Rail, and her mother, a creative, well sought after milliner in Chicago before meeting and falling in love with Betty's father and following him to Saskatchewan. The family's strong Irish work ethic helped them overcome the difficult times of the Depression with hard work, love of family, music and much laughter. Mom's life changed dramatically at the age of eight with the untimely death of her beloved mother Stella . As all of her brothers took up the call to arms in the Second World War, she was sent off to St. Michael's Academy boarding school in Brandon, Manitoba. Although a difficult and lonely time, she persevered, excelled in her academic studies and became a teacher. Mom taught grades 1-8 in a one-room schoolhouse for several years between Erickson and Clear Lake Manitoba. Seeking adventure, Mom headed to the big city of Winnipeg where she met her future husband Harry and was married during the great flood of 1950. After completing her senior accounting clerk designation certificate, she was one of the first employees at the newly constructed Centennial Concert Hall in Winnipeg, in 1966. Mom happily remained there until her retirement in 1987. It was during these two decades she was able to completely immerse herself in her great passion for the opera, ballet and the symphony, meeting and developing friendships with some of the world's most creative individuals of the time. Mom's life took another turn with the passing of Harry, her retirement and meeting her soul mate Neil. The next 17 years were a whirlwind of social engagements, dancing, travel and enjoying all the great adventures life had to offer. He brought much love, laughter and joy to her life. On Tuesday, March 22, 2011 Betty's Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. in St. Chad's Anglican Church (Assiniboia Christian Centre), 3390 Portage Avenue at Rouge Road with The Rev. Gordon Shields, presider. The family extends a special thanks to Victoria General Hospital physicians, Dr. Munsamy, Dr. Cavers and the loving compassionate nurses of 5 South, especially Nicole and Craig, who were gentle angels of mercy to our Mom; as well as to Reid Love for making miracles happen. Our family sincerely thanks each of you who have already expressed your condolences. Your love and support is greatly appreciated during this difficult time. Mom had a life-long passion for music, theater and the arts. In lieu of flowers, a donation in her name may be made to the University Of Manitoba School Of Art, St. John's College, or the charity of your choice. To Our Special Betty Boop , We Will Always Love You and Remember The Joy You Brought To Each and Every One of Us.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 19, 2011