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BETTY DEKOCK (ALBERTA JOHANNA MARIA)
Born: Jul 18, 1933
Date of Passing: Nov 16, 2019
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BETTY DEKOCK
Alberta Johanna Maria deKock, or Betty as she was known by her friends, or Gogo by her beloved great-grandchildren, passed away on November 16, 2019, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was predeceased by her husband John and her infant son John. She is survived by her five children, Linda (Len) Loewen, Dianne deKock Kingdon (Jim Kingdon), Glen (Julie) deKock, Chuck deKock, Sue deKock (Andrew Hodson), 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Betty was born in the Netherlands on July 18, 1933. She survived a wartime accident that killed her oldest brother and very nearly her, and left her with a shattered leg and shrapnel throughout her body. She maintained that she was destined to become a Canadian, as it was Canadian soldiers' blood that saved her life when she was taken to a military hospital in Apeldoorn. She was a very proud Canadian.
She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1951. She was one of five daughters who were known as the Goring Girls in the town of St. Alphonse, MB, where they settled. She met and married our dad, a fellow Dutchman, once here. Together these two hardworking people built a good life and future for their family.
Mom believed in making the world a better place and was always doing something to that end. She was generous to a fault and was always doing something or helping someone somewhere. She didn't have time for self-pity or conflict, and was extremely forgiving. We kids received a lot of love, very little sympathy and many bracing talks. Extraordinarily curious, independent and energetic, she seized life and all it had to offer. She was creative and artistic, and would draw, sew, knit or embroider whatever was needed. She was a skilled wood carver and produced many beautiful pieces - Christmas Santas, bark houses, wood spirit faces, birds, fish, trivets and wooden serving spoons. She very much enjoyed the people in the Monday carving group she participated in for years. She was also an avid cyclist and thoroughly enjoyed her years of Wednesday adventures with the Spinners cycling group.
She wasn't a hand holder or a hugger, but a doer. If you had a task that needed doing, she was happy to take that on. This spring she was planting a shelterbelt at the farm. From child minding to laundry to gardening to fixing toasters to canning she was always there for her family.
In her retirement she was able to travel the world. Last year she hiked the Santiago de Compostela in Spain for two weeks, probably her favourite trip.
One of her favourite things to do was teach a new skill to one of her grandchildren. Many a day was spent teaching them to fix bikes, grow a garden, play games, knit, pick strawberries and make jam. She was the oma who showed up with kites and badminton rackets, and would spend hours playing with the grandchildren. Most recently, she spent time teaching several of her children and grandchildren the basics of wood carving. It warmed her heart that so many of her family wanted to carry on the craft that she loved.
Our family would like to thank the exceptional people on 3N at the Grace Hospital, who for the last month have taken care of mom and us in such a warm, competent manner.
A celebration of Betty's life will be held on Saturday, November 23, 2019, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Southdale Community Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dying With Dignity Manitoba or Palliative Manitoba.
'Somewhere behind the clouds
the sun is shining'
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 21, 2019
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I first met Betty just a couple of years ago. I was new to the Spinners bike club. She was one of the first to come up and welcome me. That summer I had a difficult time keeping up with the other bikers. When I realized they were 20 years my senior I was very disheartened. Betty makes a wonderful first impression. I wanted to be just like her when I grew up! Then to my surprise and delight she showed up at a wonderful badminton group I am lucky to be a member of. So active and so fun and such a great example. I am missing her . Jeana Cutts - Posted by: Jeana Cutts (Friend) on: Jun 23, 2020
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I knew Betty as Linda’s mom. I remember her as a strong,active woman with many talents and lots of energy. The obituary hints that she was that and so much more. I’m sure her death leaves a big hole in your heart. May fond memories help ease the sorrow you and your family no doubt feel Shannon Peake (Masson) - Posted by: Shannon Peake (Masson) (Linda’s friend) on: Dec 04, 2019
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Our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Betty was our next door neighbour for almost 5 years (we live in the new house next door). She was always so kind to us, our dogs and our daughter, despite the disruptance our house building, dog barking and kids playing probably brought to her life! She would invite our daughter into her yard to play and explore her garden, and she always greeted us with a smile and wave. We will miss her friendly smile. - Posted by: Colleen, Doss and Thea (Neighbours) on: Nov 29, 2019
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We are saddened on hearing of the loss of Betty..our deepest condolences. It was a great pleasure to be have her on our trip..her energy, wit and reflections on life the stay with us. All our sympathies. Garry, Ines and Enrique ..Spanish camino de santiago guides on Betty's 2018 trip. - Posted by: Garry Budin (Camino de santiago guide) on: Nov 27, 2019
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I am so saddened to hear of your Mom’s passing. I had the great privilege of meeting Betty on the Camino last September living that experience with her in our group. She had such a positive energy and would walk tirelessly forcing us « youngsters » to keep up with her. She gained quite a following on the Camino as when we ran into pilgrims from other counties and they found out we were Canadian they would invariably ask if we « knew that 85 year old Canadian woman who was walking the Way » with great admiration for her. She always spoke so roundly of her children and grandchildren. I am truly sorry for your loss. She was a remarkable woman. - Posted by: Suzanne Turenne (Fellow pilgrim) on: Nov 24, 2019
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Doug & I just learned of Betty's passing and are deeply saddened! She is a beautiful, kind, energetic young woman, let me tell you! We enjoyed having our chats over the fence & 'raiding' her garden :D Many a time, Betty would 'hop the fence' and enjoy a fire with us. We will miss her very much. Our deepest condolences to all her family/friends. - Posted by: Mary Anne Gordon & Doug Petersen (next door neighbor) on: Nov 24, 2019
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Our deepest condolences. May all that you shared bring you peace in your time of sadness. Shirley & Ron Carriere - Posted by: Shirley and Ron Carriere (Friend) on: Nov 23, 2019
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My sincere condolences on the loss of Betty. She was a true inspiration to us all. I had to smile when she was telling me about her hike on the el Camino last year, and she was almost apologizing when she said “But I’m not backpacking, we have a van to take our luggage”. I said “Betty, at 85 years of age you are entitled not to back pack” She is a true inspiration to all of us at Archwood and will be sorely missed. God bless you all in your loss. Pauline - Posted by: Pauline mahmood (Monday morning yoga buddy) on: Nov 22, 2019
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My deepest condolences, Dianne and Jim. Your mom was a great lady, you have fond memories. - Posted by: Rita Gauthier (co-worker) on: Nov 21, 2019
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I can't even begin to explain how heavy my heart is to know the formidable, energetic Betty has passed. I've often said that if I could have, at 66, the energy she had at 86 I would be fortunate indeed. Nothing beat seeing that wonderful smile, hearing that voice of continuous optimism or getting one of her loving hugs. She will be missed. - Posted by: Carmen Lynn Nedohin (Friend) on: Nov 21, 2019
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if there's a bicycle where you are...you will be leading the ride! love & miss you Lucy - Posted by: lucy waldo (sister) on: Nov 21, 2019
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My condolences to Betty’s family. Just to let you know Betty was a wonderful friend to my mom and we really enjoyed Betty’s kind and generous spirit. Sheryl Somers - Posted by: Sheryl Somers (Friend) on: Nov 21, 2019