MARY ELIZABETH (BETTY) BURNS

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MARY ELIZABETH (BETTY) BURNS After a long and slow battle with Parkinsons, Betty Burns peacefully passed away surrounded by her beloved family and Dave, her best friend and devoted husband of 55 years. Bettys full life had many chapters beginning on September 21, 1919 in Sprague, MB. Her early years were difficult and the death of her mother at 13 brought her and her siblings to Winnipeg. Mom didnt talk much about those early years, choosing rather to always look to the future and see the good that was present. In her youth, Mom was a passionate athlete. The family cedar chest is filled with photos and press clippings of Betty on the tennis courts and the ski hills winning matches or slalom events. In the late 30s, Bettys passion for skiing put her on the ski train from LaRiviere where she caught the eye and heart of Dave, her future husband and soul mate. The war years were difficult for many. While Dave joined the Navy, Betty continued to work in the Eatons sports department and pursued her skiing and tennis. In her later years, she was known to have whispered that the war gave her time to enjoy her sporting loves while waiting for her true love to return. With the wars end, Dave and Betty were married in December 1945 and a new era in her life began. As her family expanded, skiing and tennis were replaced with more domestic challenges of raising her children and creating a loving home. Home was a very important place for Mom. Family feasts were always preceded by long hours of preparation and Moms passion for cooking and baking will be forever remembered. She seemed happiest when scuttling in her kitchen, preparing a meal for her beloved Dave. Betty was very active in her church community. A longtime member of Holy Cross Catholic Church, she was involved in the CWL and other community groups. Over the years, she developed many wonderful friendships and participated fully in community activities. As the last of the family headed to high school, Mom returned to the work force at Sears where she continued to develop friendships and save the extra little cash for the new outfit or the special holiday trips. The ordination of her oldest son, Jack, to the priesthood and the marriages of her other children were events of joy outranked only by the arrival of the grandchildren. Visits to Grannys will always be remembered for their welcoming warmth and the tasty treats. Moms legacy is her unending commitment to her husband, Dave, her service to her friends and church community and the love, care and affection she so freely gave to her children. From very humble beginnings, she led a life of service, created a very loving home for her husband, children and grandchildren, and always saw the good in others. As a member of the Third Order of St. Francis, she lived the Prayer of St. Francis, letting herself be a channel of His peace. Bettys passing will be hardest on Dave who has been her caregiver and companion on her journey to the Lord. For over four years, he could be found at her side at the Tache Centre, caring for her and brightening her days. Left as well, to cherish her memory, is her last surviving brother Cecil; her family, Father Jack S.J., Dave and his wife Jocelyn (children, Shelly and Matthew), Bill and his wife Janice (children, Meghan and Bridget), and Trish (Neusitzer) and husband Don (children, Jillian and Tommy) as well as numerous nieces and nephews, especially her late sister Sophies "Craig Clan" who were so dear to her. The family wishes to thank the Tache Centre staff for the wonderful care of Mother and for the kindness shown to Dad. God Bless. Funeral mass to celebrate Bettys life will be held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, 252 Dubuc St. on Friday, June 29 at 2:00 p.m., with Fr. Joseph Johnson S.J. presiding. The service will terminate at the church and cremation will follow. Private interment will take place in St. Marys Cemetery, Osborne Street. Those wishing to do so may make a donation in Bettys memory to the Parkinson Foundation of Canada, 204 - 825 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3A 1M5. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements. 775-2220.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 28, 2001