Hebert (Park) - Elizabeth (Betty) Catherine, born October 23, 1921 in North Battleford, SK, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2008.

Predeceased by her husband, Dolor (Slim) Hebert on March 9th, 1981 and her son Phillip Hebert on December 24th, 2006; is survived by and will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her sisters Marion Knisely, Jean Totland, Helen Graham and Judy Seaman all living in B.C. and by her children Gary (Jeannine) Hebert and Jeannie Trach of Calgary and Faye Bystrom of Wetaskiwin; Daughter-in-law, Donna Hebert of Chilliwack, BC; nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren, an Aunt, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Betty's Story

Elizabeth Catherine Park, fondly known as Betty, to all her family and friends, began her life on October 23, 1921; the eldest of six daughters to Andrew and Edith Park. In 1929 the family moved to Wilkie where her father bought the bakery. She would often help by delivering bread to customers, and that way had the use of the only bike. For Good Friday, her father would bake all night long so that she and her sisters could deliver fresh hot cross buns to all their customers first thing in the morning.

Growing up in small town Saskatchewan, close family ties were maintained as they cherished visits with their Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles in neighbouring communities. She and her sisters especially enjoyed car rides with Uncle Jim and Aunt Doreen, who took the girls on fun picnics. This family connection was to continue, especially after the loss of their sister, Peggy, in 1981. It became a tradition that “the sisters” get together annually to maintain their strong connection, as well as encouraging family reunions as often as possible to keep all generations connected.

Betty took highland and tap dancing, music and singing lessons while attending public school. She graduated from high school in 1938 with a Commercial diploma and after graduating she worked as a secretary in Regina. She had met Slim Hebert in Wilkie and when they got married in 1942, she had to quit her job, as married women were not allowed to work for the government at that time.

In 1943, Betty returned to her family’s home to have her first child, Phillip, leaving Slim in Halifax where he was enlisted and posted. In 1944, Slim returned to Saskatchewan and began working for the CPR in Outlook, where Gary was born in 1945. They then returned to Wilkie in 1947 and Faye was born in 1948 and Jeannie followed in 1952. While their family was young, Slim was on the road a lot with work and so Betty became very independent and active in the community, participating in the Rebekah Lodge, the United Church and Curling as well as helping with the swimming, skating and baseball programs that her children were involved in.

Through their friendship with Lenore and Jim Smith, they became acquainted with many farm families. Over the years they often gathered for card games and had several holiday fishing trips to the beautiful northern Saskatchewan lakes. These friends became like family as most of Slim and Betty’s families had moved to BC after the 2nd World War. It was very hard for Betty to leave Wilkie behind when they decided to move to Edmonton in 1963.

By this time, Phillip had enlisted in the Apprenticeship Program with the Canadian Armed Services, and Gary, Faye and Jeannie were young adults. Slim continued working for the CPR and Betty began working for Zeller”s in the Lingerie Department (which Slim fondly referred to as the “Meat Packing” department) and made many new friends through their work and new neighbours.

Soon they purchased their first holiday trailer and had many summer holiday fishing or visiting family trips. They loved to take their own bed with them when they traveled.

They retired in 1976 and moved to Comox, BC to enjoy the temperate climate and to be close to Betty’s parents. Betty was instrumental in managing the care of her parents in their last few years, and then also lost Slim suddenly in 1981. She then became involved in the D’Esterre Seniors Group and helped organize activities and gave rides to those without vehicles.

In 1986, as Gary and Jeannie’s families had returned to Calgary, Betty decided to move back to Alberta to be closer to her children and their families. Her first apartment was in Castleridge, and then in 1991, she moved to Kanerva House in Dover. She soon became very involved in the Social Club activities and helping with the gardens. She became a leader in their group and they soon counted on her opinions and leadership to keep things running smoothly.

Since moving to Calgary, Betty has attended Robert McClure United Church. She has participated in many of their programs, such as the Basics of Faith and Communicare and helping at dinners and events. It took her a while to adjust to the contemporary style services but once she felt comfortable she became “Mom” to many of the congregation.

At home, she enjoyed listening to her many music discs (especially the Tenors) and reading or watching TV documentaries about nature. Her heart broke ever time she heard about human disaster. And she could never say NO to anyone who called needing help or a donation. She was a generous donator to many charities. She was also a stalwart supporter of the Liberal party, to the chagrin of Slim who was a strong NDP supporter.

Now the “Family Chain” has lost another link. However, the family is bound together with their love and they will continue the tradition of staying connected and will always treasure the memories of this wonderful, amazing woman, whom they were blessed to have in their lives.