Loretta Betty Anderson
February 10th, 2022
ANDERSON, Loretta Betty (nee GILLIS)
With heavy hearts the family of Betty Anderson (Gillis) of Calgary announce her sudden passing on Thursday, February 10, 2022, at the age of 88. Betty was born in Sifton, Manitoba to parents Roderick and Anne Gillis, the oldest of 8 siblings.
She will be fondly remembered by her son Kenneth Anderson of Calgary, daughters Beverley Anderson-Abbs (Alan) of Sacramento, California, and Patricia Anderson, and granddaughter Rachel Iannone of White Rock BC. Also, her brothers Bob Gillis (Wpg) and Darrel Gillis (Judith); sisters Shirley Gillis and Donna Kabel; sister-in-law Marion Gillis; and many nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by husband Ray, and brothers Leonard Gillis, Jim Gillis, and Gilbert Gillis.
Betty left Sifton, and her beloved farm soon after graduating from Dauphin collegiate in 1953, joining the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC) and moving to Calgary where she married Ray and spent most of the rest of her life.
Betty was an exceptional sister, devoted wife, and a very loving and caring mother. A hard-working, strong, dedicated woman, Betty loved gardening and her flowers. She delivered Meals-on-Wheels for more than 25 years, taking great joy in helping other people and enlisting her family to help as often as possible. In her retirement she continued gardening, creating a flower display that was the pride of the neighborhood, and offered her services as a witness at weddings, where she shared in the joy of many new couples. In her spare time, she knit toques and mittens for homeless shelters and children in need.
Betty loved returning to her roots in Sifton to visit family and of course the farm. Her love of nature and being outdoors never waned, as she continued to walk and work outdoors as much as she could. Betty touched many lives with her kindness and beautiful smile, and will be in our hearts forever, she will be greatly missed.
There will be no Funeral Service, but a Memorial Service celebrating her life is pending.
I met Betty while working in her garden a few years back and was lucky enough to consider her my friend. I loved listening to her and Jessica talk about their days working at Sears and we always looked forward to visiting another friend, Margaret, who was in a senior care home. We had so many laughs. She was a remarkable person who will be truly missed. RIP Betty ❤ My condolences to her family and many friends