ELIZABETH MARY LAVENDER

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ELIZABETH (BETTY) MARY LAVENDER Betty died peacefully on Monday, May 23, 2016. She was born in Winnipeg on March 5, 1920, the daughter of Charles and Sarah Alberta Lavender. She was predeceased by her parents, her older brother Frank and younger sister Elsie. She had fond memories of growing up in the Elmwood area, attending Lord Selkirk School and Gordon King Memorial Church. After attending St. John's "Tech", she went on to the Provincial Normal School in order to qualify as a teacher. After initially teaching in rural schools, she spent most of her teaching career in Winnipeg School Division Number 1. From 1954-1956 she taught at Canadian schools for the children of servicemen in Europe. Upon her return, she completed her B.A. and B.Ed. degrees at the University of Manitoba. The latter part of her career was spent at St. John's High School and The Winnipeg Adult Education Centre. Music, particularly opera, literature, travel to Europe and the enjoyment of the natural world were lifetime interests. Her time at cottages, first at Malachi and later at Victoria Beach was a source of joy. For 40 years, Betty loved her river home on Egerton Road, where she enjoyed the wide variety of birds that came to her kitchen window to feed. She was a long time member of the Manitoba Naturalists. An annual highlight for her was her visit to New York City to meet friends to attend operas and concerts. This tradition continued into her 90s. She enjoyed the last four years living at the Seine River Retirement Residence. Betty is survived by her niece Cathie Newman, nephews Rick and Jeffrey Lorch, and their families in B.C. In Winnipeg she leaves cousins Bill Stewart, Alison Darling and Deirdre Lavender. She is also fondly remembered by the extended Guigne and Pratte families. At her request, there will be no memorial service. A gathering of friends and family will be held to celebrate her life on Monday, June 27 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the University Women's Club, 54 West Gate. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 18, 2016