Elizabeth “Betty” Paterson (née Douglas) passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Monday, February 6^th, 2023, at the age of 72 years with the love of her family surrounding her.

Betty was born to Margaret and Harold Douglas in Prince Albert, SK in August of 1950. She grew up on the family farm with her sisters Susan and Anne. Betty loved being outdoors, helping with baking, chores, and skating with her friends. She was an active member of 4-H and excelled in high school curling, later as an adult she once scored an eight-ender.

While attending Paddockwood High School she met the love of her life and best friend, Howard Paterson. They married on May 12^th, 1973. Betty was a devoted wife and in 1975 began her life’s work as an extraordinary and adoring mother to Dallas then in 1977 Allan “Mickey”, and finally in 1981 to Stephen. Her passion for her children and young people lead her to put her business course from Prince Albert Tech School to use with City Social Services, to Provincial Social Services, and then Youth Criminal Justice with the Saskatchewan government.

Betty was compassionate, empathetic, extremely hard-working, and loyal. Betty spoke fondly of the youth she encountered, her work friends, and the strong meaning she derived from a job well done, but it was her family with Howard that was the center of her universe.

She was a woman of many passions; first and foremost she was her boys’ biggest fan as they grew up playing hockey in Saskatchewan cold barn arenas every weekend. Her other loves included: a very close relationship with her mother, Margaret “Gooch” (as Betty’s boys called her), all things Saskatchewan – especially cheering for Saskatchewan Curlers of all levels and following their pursuits, music, gardening, her flower beds, fishing, reading, spending time outdoors, and later in life, her grandchildren Jill, Dani, Gavin, and Jamie.

Betty had a soft smile and an easy laugh. She was a kind and caring listener. Her grandchildren treasured time with “Grandma Betty” who never hesitated to sit with them on the floor and play anything they wished from games to dolls, toy trains, and trucks. Whatever her grandchildren wanted to do, Betty would happily do it with them. This meant traveling to Alberta for wagon rides, swing pushes, and walks for ice cream with Grandma Betty. In those moments, the only thing that outshone the joy on Betty’s face was the smiles of her grandkids. Betty loved with all her heart and when she loved you, you knew it in every part of your being.  Betty lived to love, she lived with joy, and she lived with hope.

She is lovingly missed by her loving husband Howard in what would have been the year of their 50th wedding anniversary; her children Dallas (Trinity), Mickey (Michelle), & Stephen (Leslie); her grandchildren Jillian, Dani, Gavin, and Jamie; her sister Anne; as well as loved by nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Betty was predeceased by her parents Margaret and Harold; & her sister, Susan.

Betty’s life will be celebrated on Valentine’s Day. There is no fitter day to honor a woman whose life was defined by love.  Betty’s service will be held on Tuesday, February 14^th, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at the McKenzie Funeral Chapel, 130 – 9 Street East, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Condolences can be sent to the family on our website at www.mackenziechapel.ca.  Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium.  Brian & Bev Stobbs, Mark Gyoerick – Mel Curle. 306.763.8488.

• Date : 2023-02-06
• Location : Shellbrook, SK