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BETTY LOUISE MERRETT (REYNOLDS) -
Date of Passing: Dec 22, 2013
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BETTY LOUISE MERRETT (nee REYNOLDS) 1915 - 2013 Peacefully, with family and friends at her side, Betty passed away on December 22, 2013, at the Saanich Penninsula Hospital in Saanichton, British Columbia. Predeceased by her brother, William Reynolds, her husband, Ross Coombs Merrett and her daughter, Shirley Pintea (Blaine, Merrett), Betty is survived by her son, William (Patti), her son-in-law Hans Pintea, her three grandchildren, Gord (Jan) and Doug (Silke) Blaine, Karen (Dave) Yagnesak, and her six great-grandchildren, Erin, Rachel, Melissa, Travis, Lia and Kai. Betty was a kind-hearted and loving matriarch of the family which gave her so much pride. She was outgoing and constantly active, traits acknowledged by the nickname "Gogo", which she was called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Betty was a very determined, decisive and capable woman. After the loss of her husband Ross, she carried out their plans to move to Vancouver Island on her own, moving to a community where many friends had also retired. There she enjoyed her extensive garden which included fruit trees, vegetables, plants and flowers, playing bridge with her bridge club and the company of her best cat friends, Quarius and later, Minuit. She also enjoyed playing piano and advocating for animal rights. Betty was ahead of the curve, embracing a healthy lifestyle before it was fashionable. She promoted proper nutrition and health supplements, reflexology and healthy living in general. Active all of her life, Betty was an avid skater at the Winnipeg Winter Club, a golfer at the St. Charles Country Club and she enthusiastically shared her knowledge of yoga by teaching classes well into her 70s. She also enjoyed swimming and rowing at the Winnipeg Canoe Club and family property on the Lake of Woods. Perhaps her greatest passion was for "the Lake". The family connection to the Lake of the Woods goes back several generations and in the late 1950s, Betty used her life savings to purchase three adjoining lots on Clearwater Bay, Ontario, for her own family. This property had originally been deemed "not for residential development", but Betty's persistence paid off. She not only acquired the property, but over the years, hand planted more than 1,000 trees to beautify it and oversaw the design and construction of three family cottages. Betty cherished her time at the lake and leaves this as perhaps her greatest legacy to her family. In accordance with Betty's wishes, a private burial service was held in British Columbia. A celebration of her life will be held in Winnipeg on Thursday, January 16 at 3:45 p.m. at Riverview Health Centre (Worship Centre), One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, MB R3T 0R3. www.winnipeghumanesociety.ca
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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2014
Condolences & Memories (3 entries)
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When I was 16, Aunt Betty and I attended a couple of public seance sessions with someone who came to the Oddfellows Hall in Winnipeg, because she and I shared an interest in such matters. I had dinner with Aunt Betty first and then we went to hear the speaker. We also shared a great love of cats -- which, for me, came later in life. I always admired my aunt for her avant garde view of the world. She was a WAY ahead of anyone else in my acquaintance when it came to what foods she ate -- or did not eat -- and what 'health foods' she took. What an incredible human being she was! - Posted by: Catherine Mary Carlyle (Niece) on: Jan 17, 2014
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While I have not seen Aunt Betty for many years, after her move to Vancouver Island, I will always remember her as a vibrant, striking woman, who seemed to brighten up any room she entered. I have many fond memories of Uncle Ross, Aunt Betty and their family. She was the last of a very important and influential generation. She will be missed. - Posted by: John David Carlyle (Nephew) on: Jan 12, 2014
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Bill, our condolences to you and your family. My mom loved your mom's yoga classes way back when. - Posted by: Jill Palmer nee McWhinney (co worker friend from Legal Aid Manitoba) on: Jan 11, 2014