Obituaries

BETTY MARGARET GREGOR (NÉE BRECHKA)

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Betty, who was not only a remarkable person but truly special in every sense. Betty passed peacefully in her sleep on August 21st, with her family at her side.

Betty is survived by her son Curtis, her daughter Christi, her grandchildren Caitlind, Bella, Angelina, Ocean, Ryder and Daughter in Law Cathy. Betty is also survived by her sisters Mary Anne (Peter), Marlene (René), Patricia (Bill), Sister in Laws Monica and Audrey as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty was predeceased by her parents Michael and Mary, Sister Lucille, Brothers Jim, Bill and John as well as her estranged husband Joe, brother-in-law Bruno, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and special friends, Jean Benjamin and June and Billy Lawrence.

Born on February 21st 1940, in Brandon Manitoba, Betty was the fourth of 8 children. Growing up, she was a very happy child and had a love for art. Betty attended David Livingstone School and went on to attend St Michaels Academy. In her early teens she developed Rheumatic Fever and spent a couple of months in the hospital and then a year at home recovering. The outcome resulted in a damaged heart valve and some allergies after diagnosis.

She dedicated a huge part of her life to helping raise her grandchildren Caitlind and Bella. You could usually find her with at least one, if not both trailing close by. She took pride in her close relationships and with them and the life lessons she was able to teach them along the way. Caitlind and Bella went with her to various building outings such as shopping at the mall or to Lockport for some of her favourite food. As they got older, she was always happy to spend whatever time with them she could and would talk to anyone she could about them and their accomplishments.

Betty was a very caring person and spent the majority of her adult life taking care of others in a homecare role. She made many friends along the way and treated them all as family because to her they were. Throughout her life, she exemplified the true essence of love, kindness, and selflessness. Betty’s dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others was evident in every action she took and every word she spoke.

Betty was an avid baker and always had something in the oven. She enjoyed baking and decorating cakes for special occasions but especially birthdays, where she used her passion for art to proudly create beautiful cakes for her loved ones. If there was any type of gathering, you could count on her to bring at least one baked good for people to enjoy, but she’d usually bring a few. Betty had a wonderful garden that she enjoyed tending to in the spring/summer and was always sending people home with whatever she possibly could.

She loved decorating for various holidays and during her time in the Lions Manor she would make sure her apartment door was always looking the best, decorated with the appropriate holiday decor for all the residents to enjoy. In her home she would keep it wonderfully decorated as well, her favourite was to decorate for Christmas where she would put out her extensive Christmas village, a tradition that was shared with her grandchildren.

Beyond her various hobbies, she was a cherished friend, a devoted family member and a pillar of strength for those closest to her. Her genuine warmth, infectious laughter, and bottomless support created a sense of belonging and love that will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Betty led a life that would inspire and uplift those fortunate enough to cross paths with her. Throughout her life, Betty exemplified the true essence of compassion, kindness and resilience, becoming a beacon of hope and comfort for all who sought solace in her presence.

She was a truly remarkable individual who touched the lives of countless people. Betty’s unwavering presence, dedication and impact have left a permanent mark on our hearts and in the world. In this time of profound loss, let us find solace in the knowledge that Betty’s impact will continue to ripple through the lives she touched. May her memory serve as a constant reminder of the power of a life well-lived and the profound influence one person can have on the world.

Your presence will be deeply missed, but your legacy will forever inspire us to strive for greatness and make the world a better place, just as you did during your time with us.

Thank you, Betty, for everything.

Funeral Mass will be held Thursday September 28th, 2023 at 11:30 am at Christ The King Roman Catholic Church 874 St Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, Manitoba