Betty Burwell

Elizabeth "Betty" Burwell (nee Collyer)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, proud aunt and loyal friend. Betty was born in Archie Municipality to Walter and Mary Collyer and attended school in McAuley, Manitoba. She graduated with honours from the University of Manitoba before becoming Director of Home Economics in the Manitoba Department of Agriculture from 1958-1966, where she developed innovative programs, expanded district offices and personnel, narrowed the gender pay gap and improved hiring practices. We loved hearing stories of working and playing hard during those years. During that time, Betty met Tom who captured her heart with his youthful enthusiasm. They were married and lived briefly in Regina before moving to Wisconsin for their Masters degrees. In 1970, they settled in Saskatoon on Mount Allison Crescent to start a family, create a home and forge lifelong friendships. It was a special place for her, and she loved to return often. Betty was a loving and supportive mother who devoted herself to her children and grandchildren, and to service in her profession and community. She touched many lives through her varied and busy career as a business owner, adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan, member of Food Focus Saskatoon, credit counsellor, sewing teacher, food stylist, judge at summer fairs and, our favourite, running the canning hotline during the summer. Betty served on the executives of both the Canadian and Saskatchewan Home Economics Associations, the Saskatoon Family Service Bureau board, Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers (in support of African grandmothers raising grandchildren due to the AIDS crisis), made multiple trips to Ghana doing home economics outreach, and sewed everything from skating costumes to surgical gowns for Shayne's patients. Betty loved her extended and chosen family very much and maintained connections from all over the country. She touched many lives through her generosity and taught us that giving back was an essential part of being a good citizen. She had a great sense of humour and endured our endless teasing with a smile and a good-natured 'Bah!'. An avid baker, quilter, cook, gardener and host, there was always room at the table for one more, especially during the holidays and the pantry and freezer were always stocked with jams, jellies, baking and sweets. Though she may have forgotten a few stories in recent years and lost the ability to reach out to loved ones, please know that she held us all in her heart. She is remembered by her children, Shayne (Shalene), Patrick (Patrick), and Susan; grandchildren, Maclaren, Ridley, and Gavin; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, colleagues, and friends. Betty was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Tom; grandson, Avery; brother, Frank Collyer; sister-in-law, Queenie Collyer; nephew, Richard Collyer; sister-in-law, Jean Millard; and brother-in-law, Neil Millard. Heartfelt thanks to the kind and compassionate staff at Riverside Intermediate Care Home, and the excellent teams at the Royal University Hospital 5300 Orthopedic Service and St. Paul's Hospital Palliative Care Unit. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Grandmothers 4 Grandmothers or the Saskatoon Family Service Bureau in Betty's memory. There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date when friends and family can more easily gather to share their stories and memories.