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BETTY MARGARET TOWNSLEY

Born: Dec 29, 1926

Date of Passing: Jun 21, 2016

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BETTY MARGARET TOWNSLEY December 29, 1926 - June 21, 2016 Our dear mother and grandmother, Betty Margaret Townsley, peacefully left this life on June 21. She joins her beloved husband Robert William Townsley in Heaven, who predeceased her in 2010. In spite of many challenges, Betty lived her last years with patience, a sweet disposition and a trust in God. In return, she received the love and admiration of all those who loved her and cared for her. Betty is survived by her three children and their families. Carol Townsley, Curran, Bree-Ann, Aida and Ella Faris, Brenna and Stephen Mutch, and Evan Faris of Winnipeg; Bill and Sharon Townsley, Danielle Townsley, Trevor and Kendyl Townsley of Texas, and Colleen and Michael Fowler of Chicago will miss their mom, grandma and great-grandma. She is also survived by her dear sister and best friend, Nancy Bewick of Winnipeg. Auntie Betty will be missed by many nieces and nephews, by her sister-in-law Eileen Gregg of Brampton, ON, and her dear friends Barb and Don Elwell of Roswell, NM. In addition to her husband Bob, she was predeceased by her loving parents Peggy and Percy Gregg, her brother Kenneth Gregg, her sister and brother-in-law Ellen and Len Freeth, and her niece Wendy Cormier. Betty grew up in Winnipeg, the middle child of a devout and musical household. Her mother taught her to play piano, and it became a gift that she would share with so many throughout her life. Betty's gift was unique, as she could play any song with ease and without a piece of music in front of her. She could be found playing for church services, Masonic Lodge parties, CGIT events, church luncheons, and at nursing homes. However, Betty's favourite performance of the year was their annual Christmas Sing-A-Long, which started at their first home in Winnipeg, and continued when they moved to Roswell, NM in 1974. This family tradition lasted more than 60 years, and even in her final days was a memory that brought a smile to her face. Her musical gift has been passed down to her children and to her grandchildren. Music was always a big part of who she was. In the past years, she enjoyed listening to her family sing hymns and old favourites to her. It was her comfort. Betty's service to her Church and faith began very early in her life. In fact, she met her adoring husband, Bob, at a church young people's group. The Church was their foundation, and Betty sang in many church choirs, with the Trephonic Singers in Winnipeg, was a CGIT leader for many years, and active in the UCW and countless other church initiatives. The First United Methodist Church in Roswell, NM was their church home for all of their 35 years there. As a mom, Betty created a home with our dad that was full of love, laughter, and lots of food. She was a wonderful cook and baker, and she showed her love through the many meals that were ready the minute we walked in the door. Fridays were baking days, and the dining room table would be filled with tasty treats to take to the lake. When grandchildren arrived, the meals and countless cookies would magically appear. Betty was happiest with her husband Bob at their cottage at Brereton Lake. They spent every summer of their married life there, including 20 years of glorious retirement on Block 10. They loved a good project, fishing, and entertaining family and friends. She was a wonderful hostess, and cherished the days when her home was full of family. The family wishes to thank the staff on the 10th and 12th floors of The Clare in Chicago for their wonderful care of our mom. "Miss Betty" was loved, and we are grateful for all that was done to make her life full and comfortable. A memorial service will be held on Friday, August 5 at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Glen Eden Funeral Home, 4477 Main Street in Winnipeg. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations, if desired, can be made to the Dalhousie Breakfast Program at Dalhousie School, 262 Dalhousie Dr., Winnipeg, MB R3T 2Z1, payable to Dalhousie School, or to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 25, 2016

Condolences & Memories (1 entries)

  • Dear Nancy and family, I was very saddened to read of Betty's passing. I remember so well when she sang in my mother's choir, the Triphonic Singers in the 1940's and 1950's. Mom always referred to the girls in her choir as "my beautiful girls". And Betty was certainly one of her favourites. I remember her parents and I know Mom and I attended your father's 100th birthday. You have been blessed by members of your family living a long time. May the many cherished memories of past happier days help sustain you in the future. My deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers, Morna-June Morrow - Posted by: Morna-June Morrow (Long-time acquaintance) on: Jun 26, 2016

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