Obituaries

BETTY GURNEY BERNICE DUERKSEN
(nee MASSEY)

Peacefully, after a brief illness, it is with deep regret that we announce the death of Betty Gurney Bernice Duerksen on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Calvary Place Care Home at the age of 91 years.
Left to cherish Betty?s memory are her son, Donald; stepdaughters, Debra and Donna; grandchildren, Libby, Selena, Jennifer, Laura, Stephen and great grandchildren, Josh, Jordon, Callie, Blaine and Noah; several nieces and their families. She will be missed by her dear friend Dianne, her daughters Andrea and Christine and their families. Having been predeceased by her parents and all her siblings Betty was the last member of her family.
Betty was born and raised in Winnipeg with her three sisters and two brothers. She completed high school and went to work at the T Eaton Company foregoing her secondary education to help support her family as did her siblings.
Having had a successful career in the T Eaton Co. she rose to department manager in their newest store in Polo Park. She retired after 36 years to enjoy her creative side. She was a very talented lady. Betty loved music and was involved in many choirs. She was a self-taught pianist and played both piano and organ for St. Mary?s Anglican Church, Headingley Anglican Church as well as the Eastern Star.
Betty loved to knit, cake decorate, draw and cook. Her knitting won many prizes in craft shows as did her cake decorating. Betty knitted, designed clothes up until she was unable to manipulate the needles. She enjoyed drawing and enjoyed painting model airplanes that her late husband John made. Betty was also an animal lover having at least a dog or a cat or two around throughout her life and was a big supporter of the Humane Society.
Betty enjoyed travelling. She went to England and Scotland numerous times with her first husband Rev Bob Flegg and later with her last husband John. Bob and Betty also traveled a great deal throughout Manitoba with the Eastern Star. John and Betty visited Victoria and Vancouver on several occasions to visit family and friends.
Well over 55 years ago Betty joined the Eastern Star Friendship Chapter. She thoroughly enjoyed the interaction of the chapter playing the piano, assuming various positions and rising to Worthy Matron of the Chapter. She also assumed the role of Grand Organist for the Grand Chapter of Manitoba.
On Thursday September 24, 2015, Betty?s Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. in Holy Trinity Anglican Church, 5335 Portage Avenue, Headingley, MB with a reception to follow in the Headingley Community Centre across the street. A family Interment service will follow the reception. Betty will be interred alongside her first husband Rev. Robert Flegg in Holy Trinity Anglican Church Cemetery, Headingley, MB.
A special thanks is extended to the staff of Calvary Place for their dedication and caring of Betty. A very special thanks to Eranio and Pauline. You were all true angels sent to watch over her.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Betty?s memory may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society, 45 Hurst Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3T 0R3.
Wojcik?s Funeral Chapel, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB in care of arrangements 204.897.4665. For those who wish to sign Wojcik?s online Guest Book please visit our website at www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com

?NOW YOU CAN REST PEACEFULLY MOM,
THE FATHER HAS TAKEN YOUR HAND AND LEAD YOU HOME.?