Betty WEEDMARK

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WEEDMARK: With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Betty Weedmark at the age of 80, on May 15, 2009. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, husband John Weedmark, sons Errol Weedmark of Baldur, and Guy (Sharon) Weedmark of Brandon, daughter Jo-Ann (Daryl) Makinson, and her grandchildren Deklan and Rhianna Makinson of Brandon. Betty has one surviving sister Lorna (Bevin) Hopkins of Yorkton, Saskatchewan. Betty was predeceased by her parents Frank and Winnie Couch, her sisters Ellen Sigurdson and Anne Cameron, brother George Couch and grandson Adam Makinson. Betty Couch was born at Swan Lake, Manitoba on June 15, 1928. Her family moved to Roland in 1939 and she attended school in Roland and later Myrtle until Grade 11. In 1947 she graduated from Grade 12 at the Convent in Bruxelles and went on to Tuxedo Normal School in Winnipeg from 1948-1949. In 1951 she married John Weedmark and they had two sons Errol in 1953 and Guy in 1957. Much later in 1969 to their surprise - they had a daughter Jo-Ann. Betty taught in many places over the years including Neelin, Royal School (north of Boissevain), Killarney, Baldur, Glenora and finally Belmont. Betty was a dedicated teacher who spent many nights into the wee hours of the morning planning and marking papers. She retired from teaching in 1989 but her previous students were never far from her thoughts as she worried that they may later “fall through the cracks” of the school system and not get the special attention that she was willing to give them. First and foremost Betty’s children were her pride and joy and she was always busy keeping track of their daily lives. She was the glue that held her family together. Betty was busy always with school, teaching and extracurricular activities and various community functions. If she wasn’t baking a pie for a sale she was cooking a turkey for a foul supper or phoning workers for a tea. She was a loyal member of the Rae Rebekah Lodge and Belmont United Church Choir for over thirty years. After her retirement she kept busy with coordinating Johnny’s music “gigs”, and helping with coffee houses. She loved her coffee, her crossword puzzles, soap operas, her home, baking and canning pickles. She loved visiting on the phone or in person anytime she could. She was a gracious hostess and even at the care home she always ensured everyone was served. Betty had many dear friends she cherished especially Donna Myers who was a true and loyal friend until the end. She treasured her grandchildren and her face lit up at their visits. Having her son Errol in the care home with her provided companionship and peace of mind, knowing he was safe and cared for. She lived her last years with grace and dignity despite the misfortunes she suffered. She was an extremely strong and resilient woman who put a smile on her face each day despite her pain of being unable to talk, walk or live in her own beloved home. Friends and family were by her side when she passed away at the Baldur Personal Care Home. Funeral services were held in Belmont on May 19, 2009. Interment took place at the Neelin Cemetery.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 06, 2009