BETTY ENID STEPHEN

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BETTY ENID STEPHEN (nee DICKS) Betty Enid Stephen passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 10, 2016 in Winnipeg, Manitoba surrounded by her children after a brief stay at the Grace Hospital. Betty was born in Dauphin, Manitoba on May 9, 1928. Betty leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her dedicated children: Diane (Ashley) Hollinshead, Dale (Barry) Rolston, Doug (Kerri) Stephen, Dawn (Norrie) Foote and special daughter Ina (Eric) Falkenham, as well as grandchildren: Stephen (Tara) Gidden, Tanya Falkenham, Lawrence (Maureen) Hollinshead, Graham (Allison) Gidden, Lyndsay Cain, Andrew (Emily) Gidden, Doug (Lindsey) Stephen, Kristen (Sterling) Cain, Douglas Stephen, Katie Keats, Kaleb Ross, Dylan Keats and Ethan Ross; as well as seven great-grandsons. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Clark (Silvia) and sister-in-law Helen and her many loving nieces, nephews and cousins. Betty was predeceased by the love of her life, Dr. Lawrie Stephen, sister Thelma, parents Dr. Royal and Greta Dicks, in-laws Jennifer and John Stephen and by infant granddaughter Ashley Enid Cain. Betty attended school in Dauphin and participated in many community activities such as various dance disciplines; Highland, Spanish, Clogging, Ballet and Tap, she also took piano lessons. She met the love of her life, Lawrie accepting a date on a dare, little did she know it would be the beginning of their lifelong adventure. After graduating high school in Dauphin, Betty attended the University of Manitoba where she received a Bachelor of Science Degree, Home Economics. While attending university she had the opportunity to meet The First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, when she came to Winnipeg. Betty's responsibilities included taking The First Lady's coat and overshoes! She always chuckled at that one. Betty proudly cared for her family while supporting her husband, helping him obtain his dream of becoming a doctor, while raising their four children. Recently, she was asked what her biggest accomplishment was and after her children, she quickly replied Lawrie. She loved him very much and enjoyed all the time they spent together with their family whether it was the early years in Clear Lake or all the miles they put on the Airstreamer following retirement. She used her organizational skills to get the kids to their many activities such as Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts, sports, music lessons, gymnastics and dance classes. Even though she had an incredibly busy home life, Betty always gave back to the community she loved by volunteering at various organizations and positions. She was Past President of both the Dauphin General Hospital Auxiliary and the Hospital Auxiliary of Manitoba, she also served as a board member of the Dauphin General Hospital for many years. Betty served on the Women's Auxiliary and the Chapel Guild of St. Paul's Anglican Church. She was involved in Eastern Star, Lionelles, Wally Byam Caravan Club and helped co-found the Dauphin Dolphins, volunteering for decades at the Child's Lake Dive. Her Mariah Newburg became world renowned. Betty chaired the 1988 Dauphin Homecoming, which was one of her proudest community accomplishments. She worked so hard for her community that she was honored twice, first as Dauphin's Citizen of the Year, and then by The Province of Manitoba for Volunteer of the Year, both in 1989. She is remembered as a wonderful cook with many signature dishes; lamb chops, ribs, white fluffy eggs, pickled herring and tomato macaroni to name only a few. Betty loved to entertain and many dinner parties were held in her homes on River Avenue and McLeod Avenue. A good time was always had by all. Family gatherings were a major event with Betty presiding over "Norman Rockwell" style meal experiences. Food was always at the center of these events. While raising her family, Betty ensured her children were always foremost in her and Lawrie's minds and actions. Time was precious so family vacations were extremely important. Whether it was an adventure to explore Northern Manitoba in tents from Swan River, to The Pas and then to Flin Flon, or long summer days in the Duck Mountains or at the Dicks family cottage at Clear Lake, summer was for the family. She and Lawrie took the entire family to Expo 67 in Montreal while visiting her sister Thelma in Ottawa. They took the family to Hawaii for an incredible winter getaway in 1970. It was then that Betty fell in love with the Hawaiian Islands. She and Lawrie went there numerous times as well as trips to Mexico and the Caribbean. She even caught an enormous Sailfish in Mexico, which was displayed on a wall in Lawrie's clinic in Dauphin. In her retirement years, Betty travelled extensively with Lawrie throughout North America in their Airstream, attending Wally Byam Rallies with their many friends. Whether it was hot air ballooning in New Mexico, taking part in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena or hosting trailers at the National Ukrainian Festival in Dauphin, Betty was the consummate hostess for their network of friends. Her crowning achievement was helping Lawrie host the International Rally in Brandon, MB. in 1994. Lawrie was President and Betty was First Lady. They hosted some 6000 folks over a weekend of entertainment and activities, it was only the second time the event had ever been held in Canada. More recently Betty enjoyed opportunities to travel to see her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would fly west to see family in Alberta and British Columbia, escape the cold Winnipeg winter by returning to Maui, and revisit a place special to her, San Francisco this past fall. She was always ready for a new adventure and enjoyed every moment with family. Betty even went fishing at Lake of the Woods and caught numerous fish after a 40-year hiatus. Leaving Dauphin in 2011 was not an easy decision for Betty as she had spent her entire life there. With her dear friend, Norma Wakeham convincing her to come, she embraced her new home, The Westhaven in Winnipeg. The last five years allowed Betty the freedom to re-invent herself and become a true adventurer. Not only the travelling but the fun in Winnipeg as well. Whether Rainbow Stage, the Symphony, concerts like the Tenors or shows like River Dance, Cavalia, and Stars on Ice, she was always up for the outing. Betty enjoyed the weekly trips to shop afforded to her by the folks at The Westhaven, and especially the special events like the annual Halloween Party, Corn Roast and St. Patrick's Day. She was grateful for the friendships that were renewed from her past and cherished the new friendships that developed. She was never far from Dauphin as she continued to receive the Dauphin Herald and maintained contact with all her friends. Betty did enjoy going back to Dauphin for the Friday Lunches with the girls and shopping at Barbara Modes while staying at the "Shmon" Hotel. She remained a proud parishioner of St. Paul's Anglican Church, Betty also remained close to her many childhood friends and tried to get together as often as time and schedules would permit. Betty was a best friend to many because she always had time to listen and gave the best advice while never judging anyone. Many people will miss those long conversations either in person or on the phone when ultimately a solution would be identified. She demonstrated traits that many aspire to by always being kind to others, aging gracefully, and always being committed to her family, her community and her faith. Betty was always caring for others. Not only was she a hands on parent, she also spent many times caring for grandchildren after their birth or filling in for moms when called upon. Betty was the palliative caregiver for her parents, her parents in law, her sister and her husband. Her dedication and compassion was unparalleled. In all instances she was never judgmental and believed it was her calling. The family would like to thank Dr. Fred Aoki and Dr. Claire Ramsay for their personal attention and sincere compassion they had for our mother, and Dr. Macek and nursing staff on the 3rd Floor for their gentle guidance during her last stay at the Grace Hospital. The family would also like to thank Betty's Westhaven Family, from Linda who originally convinced Betty to move, to Bill and Rita, Helen and Dan and drivers Garth and Richard. Betty had great relationships with her hairstylist Helen, even going to Cavalia with her last fall and her housekeeper, C.C. who became a dear friend and confidant to Betty over the past few years. In keeping with Betty's wishes, cremation has taken place and a memorial service celebrating her life will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. in St. Paul's Anglican Church, Dauphin, MB. A luncheon and time of reflection will follow the service in the church hall, all are welcome. A private family interment will follow. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations in memory of Betty may be made to Dauphin General Hospital Auxiliary or St. Paul's Anglican Church, Dauphin, MB. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2016