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ELIZABETH MARION SHEARER
Born: Nov 25, 1927
Date of Passing: Jun 28, 2023
Offer Condolences or MemoryELIZABETH MARION SHEARER
Our dear mom and grandma Betty died peacefully at Luther Home in Winnipeg, aged 95. She leaves behind her children, Jim, Catherine (Ron) and Doug (Aandra), granddaughters, Justina, Victoria, Elizabeth, Marta and Lola, grandsons, Dustan, Jessie and Kurtis, and six great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her son David, husband David, and brother Jim Searle.
Betty Searle was born in Winnipeg in 1927 to Jim, a Scottish First World War veteran and Agnes, who grew up on the Graham family farm in southwestern Manitoba. Her brother Jim was born in 1929. The Searle family lived on Strathcona Street in Winnipeg, across from open fields where Betty searched for prairie crocuses.
Betty was an exceptional student with a creative, artistic mind. After graduating from Daniel McIntyre Collegiate Institute, she worked at the Woolworths store on Portage Avenue and then at CBC as a payroll clerk. There, she met Dave Shearer, whom she married in 1955. After stints in Cleveland, Ohio and Saskatoon, they settled back in Winnipeg, where Betty spent most of her career as a proud federal civil servant. In the early 1970s and while raising a family, Betty fulfilled a dream to pursue higher education, earning her Bachelor of Arts in history from the University of Manitoba. In the 1990s, she reconnected with university life as president of the University Women’s Club of Winnipeg, one of her many volunteer activities.
With husband Dave, Betty cherished summers at the family’s cottage at Ponemah on Lake Winnipeg, swimming, walking dogs and picking berries. Betty and Dave traveled when they could, most memorably to Scotland, Italy and Costa Rica. When she wasn’t cooking, baking and sewing for four kids and a husband, or caring for various dogs, cats and rabbits, Betty enjoyed reading and socializing with a small group of lifelong friends.
Betty loved everything about the prairies, but especially the sky. She used to say that further west, “the mountains blocked the view.” On the evening of the day she died, a prairie storm thundered down on Winnipeg in her honour. Betty was kind, intelligent, pragmatic, and strong. She cared for many, from her kids and friends to her elderly mother. Her legacy is the life she led, an example for all who knew her.
The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Luther Home, who so enriched the last six years of Betty’s life.
Donations in Betty’s name can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada alzheimer.ca, or Luther Home lutherhome.com.
A memorial service is planned for August 21 in Winnipeg; location and time to be confirmed.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 08, 2023
Condolences & Memories (5 entries)
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Betty was a dear friend and fellow member of the University Women's club. We worked together over many projects at Ralph Connor House and often Dave added his expertise. In the late 90's she was the principal combatant in a tax fight with the City over the status of Ralph Connor House. She was the victor! I enjoyed her company so much and she was sadly missed by the membership when her activity there became limited. Irene Legg - Posted by: Irene Legg (University Women's Club of Winnipeg) on: Jul 29, 2023
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Jim, Doug and Catherine, Chris and I send our sincere condolences to you all at this sad time. Your lovely tribute brings her spirit to life and we know she will be deeply missed. We hope you will find comfort in the many happy memories that you shared together. Jim Searle and Chris Tyrell, Toronto, ON - Posted by: Jim Searle (Nephew) on: Jul 17, 2023
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What a lovely obituary. Betty was always gracious and kind the times that I visited the family home and cottage with Catherine. I admire the courage and tenacity she had to attend university as a mother. My sincere condolences to the family--sending love and making a donation to Alzheimer Society of Canada. From Nikki, Greg, Mina & Nissa - Posted by: Nikki Tresoor (friend of Catherine Shearer) on: Jul 13, 2023
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Jim, Catherine and Doug, I was saddened to hear of Aunt Betty's recent passing. Reading the obituary and her love of the prairies brings back fond memories of our drive out west long ago and our stops in both Winnipeg and Brandon. Her love of family and commitment to caring for others was so admirable and your words capture this beautifully. My wife Maria and I send our sincerest condolences at this difficult time. I hope you can reflect back on the times you shared as a family with fondness as you think of the wonderful life she led. Michael Searle & Maria Hunt Thornbury, ON - Posted by: Michael Searle (Nephew) on: Jul 12, 2023
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As the family of Betty’s brother Jim Searle, the Searle- Mylrea family sends our love and best wishes to all our western Shearer cousins. “Aunt Betty” was much admired by all of us; she was always looking out for everyone else, always kind and thoughtful. It’s a sad day, but one filled with with happy memories. - Posted by: Judy Searle (Sister in law) on: Jul 11, 2023
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