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ELIZABETH (BETTY) HUGHES LARKIN
Born: Apr 28, 1946
Date of Passing: Aug 24, 2026
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryELIZABETH (BETTY) HUGHES LARKIN
It is with profound sadness and hearts full of memories that we announce the passing of Elizabeth “Betty” Hughes Larkin on August 24, 2026.
Betty was predeceased by her beloved grandmother, affectionately known as Bessie Lala; her parents, Arthur and Margaret Millard; and her sister, Anne Didur.
Left to mourn and celebrate her life are her loving husband of 56 years, Ray Larkin; her son, Daniel Larkin; her daughter, Marni Larkin (Lyle Misura); and her sister Margaret Banasiak.
To know Betty was to know when she had entered a room. She was the life of the party, loved a good time, laughed loudly, and lived life very much on her own terms. She was also ferociously protective of those she loved. If you were one of Betty’s people, you never had to wonder whether she had your back.
In her younger years, Betty loved to travel - that is, until the family trip to Expo 86 in British Columbia convinced her that airplanes were no longer for her. From then on, adventures were preferably undertaken with both feet firmly on the ground.
Some of her happiest times were spent at the lake. Summer officially began on the last day of school, when the family headed to Matlock, and did not end until the night before school started again. Betty became part of the fabric of the Matlock community, involved in everything and hosting more card nights than anyone could count. There was always conversation, laughter and, of course, Betty’s opinion on whatever was being discussed.
Her enormous heart extended to animals. Over her years with Ray, their family included more than 14 dogs, five cats and two very fortunate rabbits whom Betty rescued from a much less appealing fate involving a stew pot. There always seemed to be room for one more.
Life was not always easy, but Betty’s faith and love for her family carried her through. Her 56 years with Ray were filled with family, summers at the lake, countless animals, difficult times weathered together, and many wonderful memories.
In the end, Betty was granted what she had always wished for. She left this world quickly and peacefully, before the loves of her life, spared the heartbreak of ever having to say goodbye to them first.
Betty leaves behind a lifetime of stories - of Matlock summers, card games, beloved animals, laughter, fierce opinions, unwavering loyalty and a family who always knew how deeply they were loved.
She was strong, funny, stubborn, fiercely loyal and unmistakably Betty.
There will never be another Betty, and we will miss her beyond measure.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 29, 2026