Elizabeth (Betty) Slymkewich

With great sadness the family announces the passing of our Beloved Mom, Granny, & Great Granny.  With family by her side, Betty Slymkewich passed away peacefully after a long and joyous life, the day before her 90th birthday.

She leaves to mourn her sons Tom (Nicola), Les, daughter Kelly Broek (Tony), grandson Tyson (Laura), granddaughter Brooklyn, and great-granddaughter Daphne, and many relatives and friends. Mom was predeceased by her loving husband of 51 years Emil, her parents Tom and Maggie Neyedly, brothers Gordie and Allan, and son-in-law Walter Broek.

Mom was born in Elma, Manitoba on March 27, 1935. Always a hard worker, she spent her days on the farm with her parents. Mom and Grandpa worked in the fields, took care of the animals, and cooked homebrew. Grandma instilled in Mom a life-long love of cooking and gardening. As a girl, she walked the ten miles to the Elma School where she got her education. After a hard but happy childhood, Mom left the farm when she turned 18. She lived with her Aunt and Uncle in Winnipeg for one year and worked her first job outside the home at American Jewelers in downtown Winnipeg.

Mom met Dad, Emil, the love of her life at the Elma Pool and Dance Hall. Over the next 3 years, they fell in love and were married on May 25, 1957. They then moved to Vermillion Bay where they lived for 2 years while Dad worked construction and Mom worked as the head cook for the construction crew.

In 1959, Mom and Dad moved back to Elma and eventually made their home in Whitemouth, Manitoba in 1961. She was a full-time mom, wife, and cook for many years. She took care of the home and always made sure everyone had what they needed. When her kids were grown, Mom worked different jobs in the community, always helping others. She worked as a Teacher's Assistant at Whitemouth School for many years, where she cared for and helped many special needs students. She also worked in the kitchen at the Whitemouth Personal Care Home, where she always enjoyed cooking and chatting with the residents.

Betty was a member of the Whitemouth Health Auxiliary and Catholic Church Ladies Group. After her retirement she continued to volunteer at Bingo at the Personal Care Home, serving snacks and telling stories. Even into her 80's, Mom continued to enjoy her favourite activities - cooking, gardening, berry picking and playing bingo. Mom loved to cook for her family especially cabbage rolls, potato pancakes, perogies and borscht. She loved to host her family for Christmas Dinner. Mom's vegetable garden and her flowers were a great joy in her life. She would attend bingo every Wednesday at the Whitemouth Community Hall. When bingo at the hall was no longer a weekly event, that didn't stop Mom, she continued to play Kinsmen Jackpot Bingo every Saturday with her family.

Mom spent the last two years of her life at the Whitemouth Personal Care Home where she especially enjoyed the weekly happy hour and musical entertainment.

Mom loved her family and especially her grandchildren, Tyson and Brooklyn. They were Granny's pride and joy, always spoiling them and teaching them many of life's lessons. Even when they were grown, Mom would tell anyone who would listen about Brooklyn's and Tyson's latest accomplishments. Mom was also proud to be a Great Granny to Daphne; Mom loved to make Daphne laugh.

Mom had many friends who meant so much to her throughout her life. There were two special ladies in Mom's life that were like family and brought so much joy to her. Lillian and Gina were always there to share a story and a laugh with Mom.

Mom was a feisty lady who loved life. Even when things were hard, her outlook was always - "What are you going to do, you just gotta keep going".

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at Whitemouth Personal Care Home for the compassion and care they showed Mom.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to IERHA; please put "Whitemouth PCH - Resident Council" in the memo section only. Mailing address: Whitemouth District Health Centre, Box 160, Whitemouth, MB R0E 2G0.

Memorial Service will be held on Friday, April 4, 11:00 am at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Whitemouth, MB.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com