ELIZABETH GUENTHER

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ELIZABETH (BETTY) GUENTHER In loving memory and with great sadness we announce the passing of our precious Mother and Oma, Elizabeth "Betty" Guenther, who departed from our world and went into the arms of our Lord on March 30, 2016. She will be forever loved and sadly missed by her children, Derek (Karen) and Kurt Shewchuk and the loves of her life, her grandchildren, Cole (Madi) and Hannah Shewchuk (and their mother Irene). Betty was truly made to be an Oma. The devotion and love she bestowed upon her grandchildren cannot be measured by any means found on earth. How this wonderful woman loved her family shall remain with us forever. Betty was predeceased by her parents Nistru and Irene Holunga, her husband, Horst "Gerry" Guenther, her brothers; Alfred, George, William, Nick, John and her sister Vera. Betty leaves behind her sisters; Mary Pitz, Winnie Wornuik and Gina Rice, many nephews, nieces, extended family and beloved friends to mourn her passing. Betty was born in Russell, Manitoba, the daughter of Romanian immigrants. Betty was raised with five brothers and four sisters in the small community of Shell Valley. Mom grew up with a strong sense of traditional family values. Mom was a woman of strong moral fiber. She was taught to be self-reliant and resourceful, qualities which sustained her through her life. She was a fighter who met many physical and emotional challenges with grace, courage and love. She had a strong and independent spirit and gave tirelessly of herself to her family. In 1958 Betty married Lloyd Shewchuk at the tender age of 24. This time was very adventurous and memorable for all of us. During this time Mom maintained a mobile family with Lloyd and her children as they travelled from Winnipeg, to Ottawa, to Winnipeg, to Nebraska, and then to New York before Mom finally returned to Winnipeg where she remained until her passing. Upon her return to Winnipeg, as a single parent, Betty found employment with the Federal Government, where she worked for 21 years. During this period of her life is when she met Gerry Guenther. This was a very positive and rewarding time for both Betty and Gerry. They married in 1988 and loved and enriched each other's lives until Gerry's passing in 1995. Betty retired in 1998. Retirement gave her the great pleasure and an abundance of time to spend with her grandchildren, Cole and Hannah, and her dog Badger. She cherished and loved the years she had to spend with them. Nothing was more rewarding for her then to be with Cole and Hannah. She adored her grandchildren and loved them more than life. Mom instilled in her children and grand-children her values of Humility, Honour, Honesty, Devotion, Laughter and Love. Mom was blessed with the gift of creativity and was able to inspire beauty and love wherever she lived. Her homes radiated love, her gardens grew beauty, her many dinners sustained family and friends with love and togetherness. She dedicated her entire life to her family, always placing the needs of her family first and foremost. Mom always took pride in looking her best, she faced life's challenges with great courage, grace and perseverance. Mom/Oma was a woman of great spirit and kindness. Throughout mom's life she was a remarkable mother who was devoted to her children and grandchildren. We were so blessed to have such a loving Mother and Oma. In her later years Mom/Oma fought valiantly against COPD, yet never would she say she was suffering. She was very happy and continued to enjoy every moment of her life and her home until the end. Mom, Oma, we are eternally grateful for your commitment, patience, protection, guidance, laughter and your deep love of us. Farewell our beloved Mother and Oma, you shall always remain a beautiful and inspirational part of our lives. Your love will forever remain with us. You were a gift from God. Mom, to the world you were one, but to us you were the world. God grant your soul a truly joyful peace. Sleep in peace mom, you have earned your heavenly reward. odihneasca-se in pace. With respect to Mom's wishes, a private cremation has already taken place. A memorial service will be held within the Faith Lutheran Church at 1311 Dakota St., Winnipeg, MB on Saturday, April 23 at 3:00 p.m. A private interment of Mom's ashes will take place at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Betty's memory may be made to a charity of their choice. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 16, 2016