BETTY OERLEMANS
Posted: September 16th, 2026
BETTY OERLEMANS February 27, 1939 – September 13, 2026
It is with deep sadness that the family of Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Oerlemans (nee Pow) announce her peaceful passing on September 13, 2026. Left to cherish the memories of Betty are her husband of twenty-seven years, Melvin Oerlemans; Betty’s children: Kim (Jim) Schmidt, Dawn Prawdzik and Walter Prawdzik; daughter-in-law, Beverly Reinhardt-Prawdzik; Melvin’s children: Wanda Jackson, Lorie (Clayton) Knutson and Darren (Marianne) Oerlemans.
Betty was so proud of her family. She was well known for her pride in her family and she never held back when it came time to telling you about any of the happenings. Her lasting legacy lives on in her grandchildren: Travis and Ryan (Kerri) Unger; Tara (Doug) Maerz; Alicia (Chris) and Brittany (Jayden) Schmidt; Micheal Prawdzik; Tabitha (Jeff) Davey, Mckenzie (Brendan) Bell, Robert (Shelby) and Thomas (Ava) Davey; Mallory (Tanner) Cook; Walter (Samantha), Noah and Grace Prawdzik; Jenny Steinhubl as well as Melvin’s grandchildren, Darilyn (Blain) Fischer and Tammy Power.
As a great-grandmother, Betty was always in for the count and re-count that included Brandon, Devon, Findlay, Hunter, Cole, Taylor, Gage, Vaetta, Ridley, Brooks, Huxley, Weston, Maren, Oaklynn, Henley, Indie, Walter IV, Olivia, Liam and Tyrell as well as her great-great-grandson, Dion.
Betty is survived by her sisters, Judy Lashley and Marilyn (Wayne) Mackay as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Betty carried profound sadness for the untimely loss of her three sons, David, Jimmy and Jamie Prawdzik and grandson, James Schmidt. She was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Veronica Pow; brothers, James and Joe Pow; mother-in-law, Alma Oerlemans and Melvin’s daughter, Cheryl Oerlemans.
Elizabeth was born on February 27, 1939 in Brandon Manitoba. Life circumstances influenced many twists and turns for Betty, making several homes for her children across Manitoba, Ontario, B.C. and then permanently in Medicine Hat in 1977. Her children and grandchildren were everything to her. Betty had many career changes over her lifetime and her most meaningful employments were in the field of caregiving. She did everything from LPN at the Brandon Asylum for the Insane to laundry services at the Central City Mission in Vancouver, We Care and Redi Enterprises. Our mom was not afraid of hard work and rolled up her sleeves wherever she was needed. Mom loved to socialize and she met Melvin in 1998, and they married in November 1999. Over the past 27 years, they made many memories travelling/camping to the east coast, Niagara Falls, throughout the US and cruising to Hawaii and Alaska. Together they made many, many friends playing cards, especially cribbage and she loved to boast about her high hands and tournaments won. Betty volunteered for many years at the Strathcona Centre. She loved to make dinners and each of the family had their favourite meal. Betty would show up to any family event with her famous apple crisp ready to be warmed and served.
The family would like to thank the staff at River Ridge, for the love and care they provided to Betty during her time there.
Betty will rest eternally in arms of her savior and will be resting at peace with her son, Jamie Prawdzik at Hillside Cemetery. She will be carried to her final resting place by pallbearers Walter Prawdzik and Lil Walter Prawdzik, Thomas and Robert Davey, Micheal Prawdzik and Ryan Unger. Honourary pallbearers are Travis Unger and Noah Prawdzik.
Visitation
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m
Friday, September 18, 2026 – 10:00 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.
Celebration Of Life
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel
901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB.
Friday, September 18, 2026 ~ 11:00 a.m.
Officiating ~ Pastor Murray Jaster
Reception ~ Cook Southland Reception Facility
Betty’s celebration will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience her service are encouraged to visit the Cook Southland website and select the Live Streaming button on the Home Page at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting the Cook Southland website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”