Bettie Eileen Burke

December 19, 2015

BURKE, Bettie Eileen

Bettie Eileen Burke (Balfour) passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 19, 2015. Bettie was born in Toronto, Ontario on June 22, 1926 and was the eldest of 4 children. She held a variety of jobs over the years to help support her family. In 1943 she met Douglas Burke at the military hospital that she was volunteering at. They would marry in 1945 and together they raised six children.

In 1996 Bettie decided to move to Alberta. She would reside with her daughter, Lianne and her family until 2006. After a brief stay in the Hanna Lodge, Bettie was moved into the Nursing Home in 2007. She would reside there until her passing.

Bettie is lovingly remembered by her children, Barbara Marzec, Jim Burke (Nancy), Sandy Burke (Lynne), Dave Burke (Lisa), Kathy Stringer (Neil), and Lianne MacKinnon (Doug); 13 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren; and 3 great great grandchildren. Bettie was predeceased by her parents, Burrell Balfour and Janet May Bain; and her husband, Douglas in 1994.

A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Church, 808 Center Street, Hanna, AB on Saturday, January 9, 2015 at 2:00 pm with coffee and squares to follow.

Messages of Condolence

It was with great sadness that we heard of Auntie Bettie's death. My mother Barbara (Bettie's sister) was very upset to hear the news and was very fond of her sister. Auntie Bettie was my mother's best friend and they spent many hours talking together as they raised their children. They have both ensured a connection with our Great Grandparents by visiting their family farm in Loring, Ontario regularly as they both did as children themselves. Although this is a very sad time for our families, we have been taking time to remember the good times and special occasions that we spent together, at showers and weddings. My mother has been telling us stories of her childhood with Auntie Bettie and remembering her fondly, she always called my mom her 'baby sister'. Please accept our deepest condolences from Barbara Quaintance (nee Balfour) and Nancy Quaintance (niece).

- Nancy Quaintance

The many happy memories of my Auntie Bettie will always be treasured. Deepest sympathies to all the Family. Sincerely, Jackie Boros

- Jackie Boros

So sad to hear the news about Auntie Bettie. We cherish the many memories our families shared together. Our condolences to the Burke family from Susie, Will, Tricia and Karen (Mark).

- Susie Anthony

It was a sad day when I heard of grama's passing. This lady was a big big part of my life, and will always and forever hold a big part of my heart. I could write endlessly about memories I have....from another mark on the wall, to Jezobell stories. She made me smile, and thinking of her today still does. Thank goodness memories last a life time This family icon of ours will rest in peace now with Grampa... Both leaving all of us with our own special memories. Sorry this is late, I could not find the link earlier. Sending lots of love to my family out west...wish I could have been there. Love granddaughter Gail and gear grandson Jason Xoxo

- Gail Walter

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