BIDDELL

Betty (Elizabeth) Kathleen Biddell passed away peacefully on the morning of March 16, 2020, surrounded by her daughters.

Betty was the much loved mother of Cindy (Bill Tuer), Terry (Dean Brunner), Brenda (Barry Paxton), Donna and Tannis. She will be missed by her grandchildren: Tania, Lindsay, Kirsten, Brett, Evan, Zach, Sophie, Alexandra, Nat, Sam, Izzy, Allie, Jake, Paige and Madison. She also leaves behind 4 great grandchildren whom she adored. She will be missed by her sister, Joan Mills (Moose Jaw), and many other nieces and nephews.

Betty was pre-deceased by her husband of many years, Ken Biddell, in 2013, and their much loved son, Kenny Biddell, in 1978. Betty and Ken shared many years of fun as they both enjoyed music, the arts, dancing, Stampede, travelling, sports, and family. They adored spending time with friends, new and old. An example of Betty’s tenacity can be seen when she was confronted with the fact that there was no schooling available to her young disabled son, Kenny. She fought to get him into a classroom and eventually paved the way for other parents of disabled children, when they set up an inclusive educational program in Medicine Hat.

Betty was born May 18, 1933, in Crane Valley, Saskatchewan, to Evelyn Hall and James “Gordon” McAdam. She grew up in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. She completed the Nursing program in Regina SK and worked as a nurse in many hospitals over the years. One of her favorite positions was on the Alberta Hospital Review Board where she spent 9 years travelling the province. Again her tenacity could be seen when she completed the Nursing Refresher Course (in her 60’s) and returned to front line nursing where she worked into her 70’s!

Betty created many beautiful and welcoming homes where she and Ken raised their family. She was an incredible cook, baker, gardener, decorator, and loved gift giving at birthdays and Christmas. They loved to host parties and house guests.

Betty was an avid sports fan. She followed the Medicine Hat Tigers all the way to the Memorial Cup. She rejoiced in the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Success. She was probably the biggest fan the Toronto Raptors have ever had. She never missed a game and this gave her so much joy. Nobody was happier than Betty when the Raptors won the Championship this spring!

Finally, Betty was truly a people person and genuinely interested in the lives of those around her. She cared about her friends and neighbors and loved meeting new people. Betty cherished her bridge club of 40 years and it was difficult leaving them and her many other friends.

This love of people helped her thrive when she moved to Calgary and into Trinity Lodge 4 years ago. Trinity’s exceptional staff (and residents like Anne) enriched her life and created such a fun, engaging environment. She cared so deeply for all of them as well as her friends there. Their compassion and support continued right to the end and our family is eternally grateful. Trinity’s homecare staff were absolute angels.

Finally thanks to all those who helped Betty in her last years. She kept her wits and sense of humour right to the end. A special and sincere thank you to Dr Todd Anderson for going over and above with his compassion and friendship over the years. Words can’t express the gratitude we feel for your help.

Mom continually expressed her gratitude to her daughters in her final years. This was a priceless gift to us. For those wishing to pay tribute we ask you to spend time with a senior in your life.

Due to current circumstances a memorial service will be postponed until after Trinity Lodge is open to visitors again.