ELIZABETH (BETTY) CAIRNS

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ELIZABETH (BETTY) CAIRNS

May 12, 1934 - April 30, 2024

With great sadness we would like to announce the passing of our mother on April 30, 2024 at Dinsdale Personal Care Home. Mom was born in Ninga to parents Charles and Emmaline Shackel and a large family which included 10 siblings. She leaves to mourn her son Blair (Eileen), grandchildren Trina Martens (Doug), Travis (Davilyn) and son Brent (Brenda), grandchildren Trent and Tyler. She was also blessed with great-grandchildren Braden, Taylor and Bryce, Cole and Katelyn, Lucas and Kinlee. When great-great-granddaughter Bailee arrived there were five generations. Mom was predeceased by her husband Barry on November 30, 1985.

Mom leaves behind her siblings Shirley Pawlowski, Carole Drader (Allan), Arnold Shackel (Millie) and Ken Shackel (Rita). Also sister-in-laws Shirley Shackel (Gordon), Leona Shackel (Bud) and Rosemary Shackel (Bill), Linda Shackel (Ted), Joanne Cairns and Lorraine Cairns (Gerald). Mom also had numerous nieces and nephews who have kept in touch with her over the years.

She was predeceased by brothers Murray (Margaret), Bud, Bill, Gordon, Ted and Jim (Wendy). Brother-in-laws Gerald Cairns and Marvyn Cairns.

Early on in life Betty embarked on a teaching career which lasted for 40 years and took her to various schools and communities throughout Manitoba. Retirement provided her with many opportunities to travel which included Australia, Europe, Cuba, Jamaica and numerous trips to Mexico as well as many trips throughout Canada and the U.S. She spent many happy years at her cottage where she welcomed friends and family and made many lifelong friends. She loved to garden and took great pride in her flowers and yard. She was never one to sit idle so she kept busy writing poetry, reading, golfing, curling and playing cards.

Mom loved to host family get togethers and include her siblings and spouses. Even when she moved to Lions Manor she would still pack the room with family. The more the merrier. During her time at Lions Manor Mom kept busy with various activities, she called bingo, volunteered at both Fairview and Rideau Park Personal Care Homes. She enjoyed her happy hours with friends.

Mom was often described as quirky, bossy, and feisty. If you look up the definition if feisty it means tough, independent and spirited and she was all of that. She never hesitated to speak her mind and was always true to herself. It was these traits that endeared her to people because once you met her you would remember. All her friends and family will have at least one story of her unique character.

She was a very determined woman and once she had her mind made up there was no stopping her. Her determination served her well over the last year as she overcame many challenges and made the best of each day, it didn't mean she liked it, but she carried on. Her family and friends will miss her dearly as she was always looking out for people with a genuine concern and would offer her help wherever possible.

The family would like to extend our thanks to all the staff on A3 in the Assiniboine, Wawanesa Personal Care Home and Dinsdale Personal Care Home. We appreciate every thing that was done for her over the past year.

A graveside service at Rosewood Memorial Gardens will be held on May 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. All may attend. Dress is causal. Reception will be held at the Victoria Inn after the service.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Betty's memory to The Children's Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, 533A-715 McDermott Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3E 1M6 or call 1-866-953-kids (5437).

As published in Brandon Sun on May 04, 2024, May 04, 2024