Obituary of BETTY MARGARET DURWARD

BETTY MARGARET DURWARD

 On August 17, 2021 Betty passed away at Riverview Health Centre after suffering a stroke on July 17, 2021.

Betty was a much loved sister, Aunt, a dear friend to many, and cousin to the Nikolson clan. Betty is survived by her brother Bill and his children, Heather, Tayler and Madison, who she loved.  She was so proud of the beautiful young women they grew to be.

Betty maintained many special friendships over the years, from her high school days at West Kildonan Collegiate to her neighbours at the Villa Cabrini apartments, where she resided these past six years.

Betty worked at Morkin, Hayes, Dobrowolski and the McPhillips Street Station, retiring in 2008.

Betty loved music, especially Anne Murray, Big Band music…and anything she could jive to. She loved telling jokes, acting them out, then laughing the loudest...at her own jokes. She loved her cats and all of her friend’s fur babies! Her most recent pet was a scrawny red squirrel who she fed peanuts to each day.

Bet loved to travel, visiting her dear friends Lynn and Elaine in Calgary, Maureen, Geoff and Jim, in PEI; and her longest friend, Rose and her family in Toronto. Bet also loved Las Vegas and Mexico and travelled to those destinations many times with her friends. 

Betty had many friends who she loved. In turn, her friends provided her with love, support and a sense of family over the years. The Sing-a-lings at Christmas, Hicks family gatherings, Rosie coming to town,  dinner parties, dancing at Happenings, watching or attending Blue Jay or Bomber games,  casino trips south with Rose or Doddie, yard sales, BBQ’s, movie nights, car drives, card games, weekends at Traverse Bay phone calls, playing the slots, going for coffee, having a cig..or just hanging out, talking, laughing or crying if required..she loved it all!

Recently, Betty seemed to withdraw from maintaining contact with many of her friends and family with the exception of her brother Bill, whom she adored and Doddie, who maintained contact daily. Faye, Barb and Patti were lucky enough to be included in her erratic phone call check ins. She simply withdrew. COVID-19 isolation, mobility difficulties and her fear of seeking medical assistance, took a toll on Betty.

Bet loved and was loved. She is at peace. 

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations can be sent to the Winnipeg Humane Society or a charity of choice.