- Winnipeg Free Press Passages
- All Titles
Search:
Notices are posted by 10 am Monday through Saturday
HELEN (BETTY) COURTNEY
Born: Jan 22, 1930
Date of Passing: Jul 19, 2023
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryHELEN (BETTY) COURTNEY
On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, Betty passed away at The Simkin Centre with daughter Cathy by her side.
Betty was born in Winnipeg on January 22, 1930, to parents David and Mary Brand. She is survived by daughters, Lorraine (Doug), Karen (Nelson), Anne (Cam), and Cathy, (Jay); her dear grandchildren, Kirsten (Bryon), Erin, Sean, Calvin and Russell; great-grandchildren, Jordan and Calvin; her brother Glenn and sister Doris. Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Cal, and sister, Eileen.
Betty’s early years were spent in St. Vital, where the family’s Harrowby Avenue home hummed with the constant comings and goings of the Brand kids and all their friends. There was always room for one more around the table and the kettle was always on at the warm and welcoming little house known to all as simply “55”.
Part big sister and part second mom to her siblings, Betty took on a great deal of responsibility at an early age, particularly while her dad was overseas during the Second World War. It was a heavy load and one she took seriously. Particularly protective of Eileen and Doris, Betty was known to flick the porch light on and off when she felt her sisters and their dates had taken quite enough time saying good night on the front steps.
A graduate of Glenlawn Collegiate, Betty attended business school after grade 12 and thereafter took a job at the Canadian Wheat Board. Skilled at typing, dictation and shorthand, she worked for some of the most senior staff and developed many lifelong friendships at “The Board”. It was at that time, in the early 1960s, when Betty’s brother, Glenn, needed a co-signer to purchase a car. Betty made her way to the dealership where a handsome salesman named Cal took immediate notice of his young client’s stylish big sister.
The two were married in January, 1963, creating a powerful partnership lasting 55 years. This included a family that grew to include grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom gave her immeasurable joy. Betty and Cal also built a successful business in Atlas Auto Products. An incredible pair with complementary strengths, Cal never hesitated to credit Betty for their success both personally and professionally. Her flair for decorating and entertaining made for many wonderful gatherings at the family home in Southdale and later at Oakridge Farm, which Betty made into a wonderland, particularly at the holidays.
Philanthropy was a big part of Betty and Cal’s lives. When Cal became a Shriner, Betty joined the Ladies Auxiliary of the Khartum Temple, serving as president and earning her 25-year pin, an achievement in which she took the greatest pride. During her tenure she participated in and organized countless fundraising events for the benefit of sick children and never tired of rolling up her sleeves for a good cause.
A stalwart and unwaveringly dependable friend, Betty maintained treasured relationships with childhood chums while happily adding new companions and co-conspirators along the way. The nurturing of friendships both old and new was deeply important to Betty. She loved and fiercely defended all with whom she shared that unbreakable bond, and they loved her back in equal measure.
The enduring impact of Betty’s life on ours cannot be overstated. Her devotion to family was unmatched, as was her commitment to hard work and the service of others. We will miss her laugh, her loving hugs, her generosity, and unfailing belief in the good and beauty in each of us. She was truly special, deeply loved, and deserves her rest.
A funeral and celebration of life will be held on Monday, August 21 at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Association of Manitoba or to the charity of one’s choice.
Publish Date: Aug 12, 2023
HELEN (BETTY) COURTNEY
On Wednesday, July 19, 2023, at the age of 93, Betty passed away at the Simkin Centre, with her daughter Cathy at her side.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Cal.
She leaves to cherish her memory daughters, Anne (Cam), Cathy (Jay), Lorraine (Doug), and Karen (Nelson); her precious grandchildren, Kirsten (Bryon), Erin, Sean, Calvin, and Russell; as well as her great-grandchildren, Jordan and Calvin.
A funeral service and Celebration of Life will take place on August 21, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home. A complete obituary to follow.
Publish Date: Jul 25, 2023
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 25, 2023, Aug 12, 2023
