MARGARET ELIZABETH (BETTY) STEPHEN (COOK)

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MARGARET ELIZABETH (BETTY) STEPHEN
(nee COOK)
April 29, 1921 – December 28, 2021

It is with sadness that our family announce the peaceful passing of Betty Stephen on December 28, 2021, at the age of 100.
Mom was born on the family farm on April 29, 1921, the eldest child of Moff and Margaret Cook (nee Greenlay). Mom remembered her childhood in the High Bluff area as a happy and laughter filled adventure.
Mom graduated from Normal School in 1940 and began her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in Gladstone. That is where she met James Stephen. They married in 1946 when Dad returned from serving overseas. Mom lived the life of a Military spouse, moving with our large family every two or three years.
Mom was predeceased by Jim in 1993 and her four siblings, Ruby, Louise, Isobel and Ted.
Mom is survived by her five children, Jim (Kirsty), Don (Kelly), Dwenda (David), Keith and Louise; grandchildren, Jim (Kim), Chelsea (Jeff), Danielle (Steve), Michael (Lynn), Joshua (Stephanie), Nicholas, Natalie (Gary) and Stephanie. Mom is also survived by her beloved great-grandchildren, Avery, Finn, Marina, Pierce and Bence. Thank you to Linda, her special friend. During her long life, Betty gathered a group of her special "adopted" children...you know who you are.
Mom valued education and earned her BA at the age of 53. She taught at Bedson School from 1968 to 1986, where she met several lifelong friends. She was a devoted Christian throughout her life and practiced her faith by donating generously to the Church and numerous charities. The family would like to thank Rev. Don Johnson for his support and friendship over many years.
Betty had a wonderful retirement. She and Jim spent several winters in Texas before his passing. At the age of 81, she really started to travel. Over the next few years, she managed to do three European tours and 16 cruises!
Mom was fortunate to be healthy and exceedingly sharp mentally until the end of her well-lived life. She was a voracious reader, always up to date on the latest news and always managed to see the humour in life.
Mom was a wonderful mother, granny and great-grandmother.... she will be sorely missed by all whose life she touched.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Mom may be made to a charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 08, 2022