Obituary of Betty McLaughlin

McLAUGHLIN: Betty passed away on April 18th, 2014 following a lengthy illness at the age of 79 years. Betty was born in the Katrime District on December 21, 1934, and was the only child of Mabel and Roy McLaughlin. Betty went to elementary school in Katrime, followed by high school in MacGregor. After high school graduation, Betty attended Teacher's College in Winnipeg. Her first teaching years were spent in Dauphin, she moved to Brandon where she taught mostly grades three and four until her retirement in June 1990. By attending summer schools and night courses, Betty completed her Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1965 and Bachelor of Education Degree in 1972. Betty enjoyed traveling to many parts of the world with her companions Mary and Nancy Bunting (now deceased) and Marg Hood. When health issues plagued Betty, she gave up traveling and began bowling and playing bridge. She loved to read books, and as most of her friends know, she had several book cases of unread books to read in her retirement. Betty was a lover of jewelry and had matching sets of brooches, earrings and bracelets. On the farm Betty had cats, her love of cats followed her to the city where she had many cat ornaments and plush toys. Betty's family enjoyed many holiday celebrations with her Aunt Nettie, Uncle Charlie and cousin Janet in Neepawa or sometimes in MacGregor. There was always teasing between Betty and Aunt Nettie. Many great card games were enjoyed by all. When her mother needed extra care, Betty moved back to MacGregor to help care for her. After her passing, Betty returned to Brandon where she started dealing her own health problems. Betty leaves to mourn her passing her cousin Janet Finlayson (Jim), and their family of Scot Finlayson (Vicky), Daphne and Miranda; Lori Thomas (Tom), Tyler, Troy and Teighan; Rhonda Hinther (Greg) and William; Glen Finlayson (Kathy) and Josh and Brady. Also cousins Eileen Bennett of Debois, Idaho and Bunny Seidler of Oliver, BC, along with Phyllis Gillespie of Brandon and Lawrence Heselwood of MacGregor. We wish to extend our thanks to Rideau Park Personal Care Home for their support and care of Betty in the last few years. A special thanks to Debbie Taylor from "We Care" for her above and beyond care of Betty. She seemed to brighten up as soon as Debbie entered the room each week. Many thanks Debbie for a job well done. The funeral was held on April 24th, 2014 at the Brockie Donovan Chapel with Rev. Craig Miller of Knox United Church officiating. Pallbearers were Scot Finlayson, Glen Finlayson, Tom Thomas, Lawrence Heselwood, Keith Thomson and Norman Brown. Interment was held in the Katrime Cemetery beside her parents. Donations in memory of Betty may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of choice.