GROENINK, Elizabeth “Betty” Louise, (Nee: Nugent)
October 13, 1945 – February 5, 2022
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Betty Groenink (Tofield, AB) on Saturday, February 5th, 2022 at the age of 76 years.
Betty was predeceased by her parents Liline and William Nugent and son Stephen. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 59 years, Rick; children: Katherine (Steve),Angella (Jim), and Robbie; 8 grandchildren: Peter, Johnathon (Shannon), Nick (Alanna), Andrew, Serena, J.R., Aiden and Quinn; and one great grandchild, Joseph.
Betty will be missed by her dearest friends: Vivian Karpyshyn, her devoted friend since childhood and Marilyn Raynor, who shared her passion and adventures in quilting.
Betty was the oaktree of our family, keeping us connected and resolute in her love and support. All her children felt her fierce mama bear protective love. Her quest in family genealogy served to build a knowledge of our roots. Betty began her role as wife and mom at the tender age of 17 years; working full time while raising 4 children. It was her grit, courage, eternal curiosity, determination, solid inner compass, integrity and strong values that supported Betty in overcoming challenges in both life and health. For Betty, there was no giving up. Ever. Her passing has left us with broken hearts.
As an ongoing learner, her interests and passions were many: art, paper tole, sewing, gardening, crocheting, knitting, bread making, pet therapy and quilting. Her beautiful quilting creations are enjoyed by family, friends and the recipients of charity quilts created together by Betty and her quilting guild members. Betty attended the University of Alberta, particularly enjoying English Literature and Psychology. Betty’s love for animals was demonstrated in many adoptions of rescue cats and dogs, sewing dog beds for rescue organizations and donating to the SPCA and SCARS. Betty also helped others by volunteering at a food bank as well as bringing smiles to the faces of persons she visited in psychiatry wards, senior homes and the Providence Center infirmary with her therapy dog Marley.
The family is grateful to the doctors and caregivers of both the Cross Cancer Institute and Grey Nun’s Palliative Unit who cared for Betty with the utmost respect, grace and tenderness.
A simple celebration of life will be held in summer 2022. Memorial donations in honour of Betty can be made to SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue Society) or the SPCA.
Roses in Heaven
Lord, please pick a bunch for us. Place them in our mother’s arms and tell her they’re from us. Tell her we love her and miss her, and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek, and hold her for awhile. Remembering her is easy, we do it every day, but there is an ache in our hearts that will never go away.
Author unknown.
My deepest sympathy to Rick and his entire family
Such a lovely, gracious person…her contributions were many. Will be sadly missed by the Patchwork Quilters Guild but not forgotten.
I am so very sorry to hear of Betty’s suffering and passing. She and I are cousins but did not meet until about 2008, and our shared love of animals forged a bond immediately. I send deepest condolences to Rick, and to the rest of Betty’s family. I think of her often.
What a wonderful tribute to a wonderful and caring woman. We offer our condolences for the loss of your family’s oak tree, Betty. May memories of her give you some comfort as we learn to live with the grief of her loss.
I’m so sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. My deepest sympathies to all of the family and dear friends