Elizabeth (Betty) Caroline Yeaman

Oct. 29, 1931 – Nov. 11, 2023

It is with gratitude and deep affection that we share the news of the passing of our mother Betty Yeaman on Nov. 11, 2023. It is fitting that Mom chose to leave this world on a day set aside for the remembrance of those who lived their lives to make others’ lives better, as unselfish actions certainly describe Mom’s existence.

During her life, Mom took on many roles. She was one of nine children who lived in Tway, Saskatchewan.  She was wife to Albert Yeaman for 46 years and missed him greatly after his death in 2002. In their partnership in Weyburn, Sask., they raised five children who required discipline, feeding, sometimes herding, and an abundance of love and patience. She always looked like she had stepped out of a magazine which was no small feat given the many little fingers she had to deal with.  This would be true her whole life.

Mom could make magic in the kitchen and stretch a dollar in many different directions. The microwave, new technology, was quickly embraced. It is only through more experience and reflection that her children realize that she was pastry and culinary chef extraordinaire. Her cinnamon buns were legendary, and it will be a long while before they are matched.

Mom’s role as nurturer and supporter extended well outside the home to hockey rinks, gymnasiums, ball diamonds, piano recitals, really wherever her children’s activities led her. She enjoyed music and sports. If Gibbons needed some help with the Jays or Nick Nurse was struggling with the Raptors, Mom had plenty of suggestions.

While she loved her children, she had more time to delight in her thirteen grandchildren, their questions, interests, and skills. Often Mom’s bed and breakfast hosted entire basketball teams who happened to be town for tournaments. Memories of Grandma, center on times they could hear her cheering from the stands, cooking with her in the kitchen, or dancing at celebrations.  She made them all feel special and loved. In her later years Mom marvelled in the magic of her thirteen great grandchildren watching them learn to walk or read or just cuddling them on her lap.

Mom loved to entertain. Friends and relatives were always welcome, always well fed, and treated royally. While holidays were an opportunity to have everyone home to try some new recipe, Christmas was always the star with decorations and baking to delight.  Mom was gracious and took a genuine interest in people. She asked many questions so that she could connect with you. She was proud to be Canadian and as an unofficial Canadian ambassador, welcomed the opportunity to learn through travel, making life-long friends in far away places.

Mom was spiritual and took her responsibilities to look after others and to build strong community to heart.  She was active in Grace United Church in Weyburn participating in the choir, UCW, wherever she was asked. She believed in fairness and that everyone deserved a decent chance. She supported causes that were not always popular, but which she felt were morally right. She enjoyed politics and loved a good debate.  It was not beyond her to switch sides in the middle of a discussion much to the dismay of her debater. She continued to read and learn and wonder for as long as she was able.

Did mom do everything right in her life? Of course not, but she did try to do things in the best possible way with as much class and grace imaginable and the goal of kindness being utmost. Without a doubt. We will miss her.

A Memorial Service will be held on, Friday, December 8, 2023, 1:30 pm, at McClure United Church, 4025 Taylor Street East, Saskatoon, SK. A private interment will be held at a later date.

Martens Warman Funeral Home is honoured to be entrusted with the care and arrangements of Betty Yeaman.

• Date : 2023-11-11
• Location : Saskatoon, SK