STRACHAN, Betty Diane
Betty passed away suddenly on January 24, 2011. She was 66.
She leaves her sons to mourn her loss; James of St. Albert, and Fraser (Isabella, and their four children ) of Sherwood Park.
Betty also leaves her sisters, Lorna Nordell (Lloyd) of Peers, and Marjorie Stager (Bill) of Kamloops, B.C. Nephews and nieces include: Roxienne, Clint (Pam), Brady (Brenda), Shane (Barb), Kelsey (Wendi), Mary (Andrew ), Geoff (Tracey) and many great- nieces and nephews She was pre-deceased by her parents , Frank and Maudie Camm.
Betty was born in Brantford, Ontario, where her father worked in a factory. The family moved to the Copeau district north of Porcupine Plain, Sask. after the war and from there to Prince Albert and Edmonton. During her marriage to Bill, and as he worked in oilfield related jobs, the family moved from Whitecourt to Edmonton , Pinawa, Ontario, then Fox Creek, and finally to the Edson area. She was employed in secretarial duties with Hudson Bay Oil and Gas. When the boys were grown, Betty moved to Gull Lake Saskatchewan, where she lived for about 10 years. Long chats with community members at the “coffee table” in a local café were a great source of joy to her. A move back to Peers placed her again near family. As her health deteriorated, it was necessary to take advantage of the housing boom in Alberta and lower housing costs in Gull Lake. She renewed her long standing relationships with her good friends, Rose and Ella, and spent many cherished hours in their company. She very recently came to the Nordell home to convalesce from surgery.
Betty loved to wander around the countryside picking out new flowers, birds, trees, and animals. She always expressed a secret desire to have pursued a career in geology, as she loved fossils, and odd rocks of all kinds. She loved flowers, thunderstorms, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, bargain basements and auction sales. She loved family, long talks, and helping people who appreciated the small things she could give them. Reading was her ongoing passion. She valued the special work of the Salvation Army.
Her travels included a trip with good friends to their homeland of Trinidad, and a solitary journey to the fascinating ancient city of Machu Pichu. She spoke often about how much she enjoyed both places and the experiences she gleaned. She and her sisters travelled to the British Isles, as well as Vancouver Island , and the Sunshine Coast of B.C. She saw parts of Maritime Canada. Betty and her young family spent many great times camping in B.C. and Alberta and she involved herself in the activities of the Cubs and Scouts while in Fox Creek. She loved to fish. She even tried sky-diving, painting, and acting with a local theatre group.
With each new encounter or experience, Betty accumulated a wealth of general knowledge about the world around her. She will be greatly missed.
A special thank you is extended to the friends who always supported her, wherever you are.
There will be no service at this time. Plans for a family barbecue will be considered for early summer. If desired, donations in her memory may be made to your local Food Bank or the Salvation Army, in keeping with her desire to help her fellow man.
The Edson Funeral Home Ltd. (780 723 3575) and Foothills Crematorium is entrusted with all arrangements. To send condolences on line, please visit our website at www.edsonfuneralhome.com
The Foothills Memorial Chapel
“Serving West Central Alberta for more than 60 Years”