ELIZABETH JANE MUNRO-SMITH "BETTY" (ANDREWS)

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ELIZABETH JANE MUNRO-SMITH "BETTY" (nee ANDREWS) On Saturday, September 7, 2002 after a courageous battle with cancer Betty passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side. Left to mourn her departure are her loving husband and soul mate Philip; much loved sister Reta Waddell; adored nieces, Lisa and Treasure; as well as cousins, Jack, Roy, Brian, Sandra, Lyn, David and their children; her uncle Art and auntie Vera. Also left behind are her mother-in-law Doreen Smith of Australia and sisters-in-law, Dee Jamieson and Felicity Cleland. Betty was predeceased by her parents, William and Helen Andrews and four of her best friends - Sooty, Minx, Tasse and Pike. Betty was born in Russell, MB and grew up in a loving, caring family and she spent her early years on the farm. After graduating form high school in Russell, MB she went to university where she graduated with a BA. As a young teacher, Betty spent time teaching in Inwood and in Miami, MB where she made many lifelong friends with her students and fellow teachers, and frequently visited with them up until her illness. Betty travelled to Europe and ended up living in England for 17 years. A "free spirit" she travelled a great deal throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, but England always held a special place in her heart. She could be found many weekends traipsing through the markets hunting for bargains - one of her great loves. She also loved her part-time bartending jobs in Covent Garden where her vibrant personality made her a favourite of the "punters" and she learned to make a mean toasted cheese and tomato sandwich. It was at one of these pubs that Betty first met her husband, Philip and, as they say, the rest is history. They married and lived in London for four years before moving back to Winnipeg in 1988. One of her greatest pleasures and loves in life, aside from the cats, was tap dancing. She tapped up a storm for 11 years in Winnipeg and was destined for fame. She also loved linens - oh how she loved them! If it was white, had a few holes in it and lace around the edges she bought it and then stored it. The same, buy it/store it approach was for most things - Tupperware, shoes, clothing, books.........She worked in the insurance business in England and again on her return to Winnipeg. Her work ethic, professionalism and effervescent personality endeared her to all those she worked or associated with. Her delightful, sometimes pretty cheeky, sense of humour along with her naturally bubbly personality and caring attitude left an indelible impression on everyone she met. At no time was this more evident than over the last six months as she battled this insidious disease. Despite the suffering and challenges she faced on a daily basis she managed to bring humour and levity to the situation always joking with the doctors and nurses and family in an effort to help make us all feel better. Never once did she complain about the unfairness of her situation or get angry during the whole period of her illness. There will be a celebration of Bettys life on Thursday, September 12 at 2:00 p.m. to be held at Leatherdale Gardiner Funeral Chapel, 1501 Waverley St. Thanks to Doctors, Krepart, Lotocki and Heywood for their care and treatment and all the nurses, unit assistants and other staff of the Womens Hospital 5th floor for their care and compassion. Special thanks to Chris Carlyle of Palliative Care for her wonderful support of Betty and family during the tough times they faced and especially towards the end of this battle. Also a big, big thank you to all of Bettys friends and associates for the wonderful cards, gifts, e-mails, prayers, and moral support that you all provided. It was of invaluable benefit to Betty as she fought the good fight. We cant name you all but you know who you are. If friends so desire, Betty has suggested that donations could be made to Quagga Cat Rescue Shelter, 690 Elizabeth Rd, Winnipeg, MB., R2J 1A4, or to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot St. Winnipeg, MB. R3E 0V9, or a charity of your choice. Rest in peace sweetheart - you will be missed LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1501 Waverley Street 949-4860

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 10, 2002