BETTY-ANNE PORTEOUS

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BETTY-ANNE PORTEOUS Betty-Anne passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 4, 2011. Remaining to cherish her memory are her loving family members: daughter Doneta Brotchie (Harry), daughter Roberta McLean (Bruce), granddaughter Kendall McLean, grandson Kevin McLean, sisters-in-law Muriel James and Catherine Waytiuk, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was born in Selkirk, Manitoba and lived her early life there before moving to Winnipeg. As a young woman she was an avid skier and roller skater and she performed in gala roller skating shows as well. It was while working at the T. Eaton Company that she met the love of her life, Bill Porteous. He finally won her over with his third proposal and they were married on June 11, 1948. Theirs was a wonderful marriage, filled with love, first for each other, and then for their two daughters, Doneta Arlene and Roberta Anne. Tragically, our Dad passed away very suddenly on June 11, 1959, and Mom was left to raise two small girls on her own. Her daughters remained her priority for the rest of her life. She sometimes worked at three different jobs at once to allow her to be home for meals and she spent as much time as possible with us. Her career was varied to say the least. She initially operated an accredited kindergarten from her home and worked at Radio Station CJOB as Betty O'Bee. Her roles at CJOB included off-site public relations and remotes, product demonstrations for sponsors and advertisers and an on-air radio program. She garnered a following of fans and made many friends during her time with CJOB. She later represented Guerlain Fragrances and worked at Health Sciences Centre. Mom was fiercely proud of her daughters and she was a very involved and loving part of our lives. With the birth of her grandson Kevin William and granddaughter Kendall Elizabeth Anne, Mom became a grandmother who was always present for the special moments and who gave freely of her time and her love. Mom made lifelong friends of all generations wherever she went. She was always ready with a helping hand and was quick to say yes, to any outing, trip or adventure that came her way. Her young at heart approach to life, her boundless energy and her careful attention to being at her best made time spent with her a real treat. The sparkle in her beautiful blue eyes, her incredible smile, her wisdom, her determination, her strength, her courage and her enthusiastic participation in the lives of those she touched will never be forgotten. Our sincere thanks to the staff at Vista Park Lodge, where Mom resided for the past three years, who have cared for her as the special person she was. Universally they have described her as such a sweet lady and we know she loved them back the way they showed love to her. In particular, Shelby, Maggie, Karen, Pat and Claudette have gone above and beyond in caring for Mom and for that we are truly grateful. A Memorial reception will take place on Tuesday August 9, 2011, at Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. at 10:00 a.m.. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Betty-Anne and Bill Porteous Fund at The Winnipeg Foundation, 1350 One Lombard Place, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0X3. Telephone 944-9474 or www.wpgfdn.org. Thomson In the Park 925-1120 Condolences may be sent to www.thomsoninthepark.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2011