Betty Dickson

"She was there when we took our first breath and we were there when she took her last.  What a precious gift"

Elizabeth (Betty) Mary Jane Dickson, beloved wife of the late Elmer Dickson, passed away peacefully with her three daughters by her side at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre on November 8, 2018 at the age of 92 years.

Betty had a rich life full of love, family, music and giving back to her community. She created fun and laughter that led to wonderful memories for many.  Her greatest loves were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Betty also had a very close relationship with God and lived her life in the assurance of His love and presence.

She was born on March 12, 1926 to Thomas and Gudrun (Runa) Smith in the Rothbury District and had four brothers: Robbie, Doug, Max and Tommy and two sisters: Elva (Murray) and Peggy (Trowell). Betty moved with her family to the Pennock District at age seven where she attended school and developed a life-long love for learning and being with others.

With several siblings off to war and after her Dad's untimely illness, her mom had to go back to teaching school. Betty had to quit school and help care for her father while working very hard on the farm.  This would impact the path of Betty's life as she sacrificed her dream to go to school to become a nurse.  Although life on the farm had its challenges and difficulties, this became the foundation of Betty’s lifelong love of the importance of faith, family and caring for others. Music always filled their family home which contributed to Betty’s passion for music throughout her life. Betty became the church organist at a very young age and was often asked to play the organ/ piano at functions right up until a few years ago. But most often, you would find Betty directing a church choir, whether the Saltcoats Senior, Intermediate or Junior choirs for many years. She was dedicated to this position and especially loved the Christmas Cantatas.

Although Betty and Elmer had noticed each other when they were both quite young, they never actually met until they were introduced at Elmer’s sister’s wedding (Bert and Vi Trowell) in November, 1947.  They fell in love and were married on November 12th, 1949. It would be 12 years before they were able to have children. During this time they were busy working with kids in the Saltcoats United Church with the High C Group, church choir and other community activities.

In 1954 Betty answered an ad for a Nurse’s Aide at the Saltcoats Hospital. She was excited as this started her dream of working in the nursing field. Unfortunately, in 1960 when her mom became ill Betty quit her job to care for her. In 1961, Karen, their first of three daughters was born, followed by Marilyn in 1962 and Cheryl in 1966. In 1971 Betty returned to the workforce as a Nurse’s Aide at Pine Unit, Mental Health Services in Yorkton until she retired.

Life became very busy as the girls were encouraged and supported to be involved in numerous activities such as music, sports and dance. She would do anything for her daughters. After working a night shift, she could be found sleeping between the girls individual recitals at music festivals, but would wake to ensure she never missed a moment. Betty was actively involved in the community by planning and participating in various activities, committees and boards. In her “spare time”, she loved to compose music, teach piano lessons, write poetry, crochet, knit and she even found time to start the ‘Moms and Tots’ program.

Betty always felt blessed that she was never cold, never hungry, always had a roof over her head, and always felt loved.

Betty was predeceased by her husband Elmer, her parents Thomas and Runa; her brothers Robbie, Max, Doug and Tommy and her sisters Elva and Peggy.  She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her children: daughter Karen (Colin) Bassingthwaite and their children, Justin (Jen) and their children Blake, Evan and Brodie; Cailean (Mike) Jacques and their children Caylen, Rowan and Madden; Braden (Kara); daughter Marilyn (Todd) Britton and their children Logan (Chelsey) and his children Ronin and Carter; Tyler (Karli) and their children, Kiya, Macie and Lara; Maegan; and daughter Cheryl (Bob) Thomas and their children, Branden; Lyndsay (Zach) Ziefflie and their children Sutter and Lyla.  Also left to mourn her passing is her sister-in-law Helen Smith, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends

Elizabeth "Betty" Dickson of Yorkton, Saskatchewan passed away on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at the age of 92 years.

A Funeral Service will be held for Elizabeth on Monday, November 12, 2018 at 11:00 am from St. Andrews United Church in  Yorkton.

Interment will follow in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery.

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Elizabeth may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or St. Andrew's Church.

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