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ELIZABETH (BETTY) FENIAK
Born: Jun 17, 1920
Date of Passing: Apr 07, 2013
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDR. ELIZABETH (BETTY) FENIAK, CM On April 7, 2013, Betty passed away at the age of 92 years. Widow of Dr. Michael Feniak, she is survived by her two children, Barbara Peters (Abe) and Peter Feniak (Jennifer Chapman); she is grandmother to Michael Peters (Rebecca Widdicombe), Jeff Peters (Ann Park), Shauna Brinkman (Ryan) and to Christopher and Jay Feniak and great-grandmother to Alice Peters and Natalie Brinkman. An outstanding scholar, teacher and community activist, Betty was born on the family farm in the R.M. of Shoal Lake on June 17, 1920 to Joseph and Lillian (Wherrett) Hepworth, the eldest of four daughters. Her sisters are Marjorie (Keith) Douglas, Joan (Joe) Johnson and Patricia (Bill) Coleman. She began her education at Wolfe Creek School, a one room country schoolhouse, won an Isbister Scholarship to attend university and graduated first in her class from the School of Home Economics at the University of Manitoba. She continued studies at the University of Minnesota where she earned an MSc in Foods and Nutrition and met her beloved husband, Michael Feniak of Warsite, Alberta, a PhD student in geology. Betty and Mike were married in 1945 and in 1947, they moved to Yellowknife, NWT where Mike Feniak was the first Federal Geologist in Canada's North. In 1949, Mike died tragically by drowning, and in 1951 Betty and her two children relocated to Winnipeg, where she began her career teaching Foods and Nutrition at the School of Home Economics, University of Manitoba. Through the years, she earned her PhD, became a full Professor, Department Head, Acting Dean and was associate Dean of the Faculty of Home Economics. Betty was an active participant and leader in organizations supporting her profession and the good of her community. (She and graduate student Charlotte Moore piloted the Meals on Wheels program). She was a past president of the Provincial Council of Women, of the Canadian Home Economics Association, and chair of the Canadian Home Economics Foundation. In 1982, she was named a "Woman of Distinction" by the YWCA. She was honoured as a life member of the National Council of Women of Canada, of Manitoba's Provincial Council of Women and of the Manitoba Women's Institute. In 1988 Betty was named a member of the Order of Canada. Betty improved the quality of life of all who knew her - students, family, friends, colleagues and peers. She was a kind and gracious woman with a formidable intellect and a lovely, loving smile. Her faith and her family were her foundation. She never lost her pride in her rural roots, and in her profession. She will be deeply missed. The family would like to thank her nurses aides and other caregivers and all those who offered kindness and affection to Betty during the last six difficult years. Funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Anglican Church, corner of Stradbrook Avenue and Nassau Street, Winnipeg. Interment on Monday, April 15 at 2:00 p.m. at Shoal Lake Cemetery. If friends wish, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Home Economics Foundation, P.O. Box 2582 Station Main, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 4B3 or in Betty's name to St. Luke's Church for the restoration of the Bell Tower, 130 Nassau Street N., Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2H1.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 12, 2013
Condolences & Memories (14 entries)
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Betty was a caring, thoughtful, encouraging mentor during my student years and afterwards, as she was to many; she has made a huge contribution to home economics and will be sorely missed. - Posted by: Dr Marilyn McDowell (former student, fellow head of university dept) on: Jul 05, 2013
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Betty is remembered for her great contributions to the Canadian Home Economics Association and the CHE Foundation. - Posted by: Lila Engberg (colleague) on: Jul 05, 2013
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Peter and Barb, on behalf of my family I would like to send you our condolences. Your mother was a wonderful person. May she now rest in peace. God Bless Her!!!!!!!!!!! Love, Carol, Nora, Cam and Jamie - Posted by: Jamie Annett (Cousin) on: Apr 24, 2013
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Dear Peter I am so sorry I never met your mother! Or wait a minute maybe I did briefly .... What an amazing woman!! How wonderful she had such a long life!!! No doubt she signficantly influenced the wonderful man you became --- Warm regards, Margot - Posted by: Margot Sangster (Vancouver) (Peter's friend) on: Apr 20, 2013
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Hello Peter and Jennifer, While I only met your dear mother once I knew at that time she was an outstanding woman. Jill had told me so much about her over the intervening years and for that I am so grateful. My loving thoughts and lighted candle are with you and your family. Sharon Staseson - Posted by: Sharon Staseson (Friend to Peter) on: Apr 19, 2013
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I have many fond memories of our childhood on Bartlett Ave. and send you condolences. - Posted by: Michele (Brown) Mirus (former neighbour) on: Apr 18, 2013
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On behalf of MWI I would offer our condolences to her family. Your mother/grandmother was the Faculty of Human Ecologies rep to MWI Board from 1967-1994. As such she provided strong leadership as well as friendship to members of the Board as well as the general membership. Her guidance helped enable the organization to better meet the needs of women and families throughout Manitoba to honour her support of and commitment to the mission of Manitoba Women's Institute MWI we will be placing Dr Feniak in our Book of Remembrance at our AGM in Winkler. - Posted by: Joan Clement (President Manitoba Women's Institute) on: Apr 17, 2013
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Outstanding Member of our Society for many years. She will be missed. - Posted by: Dawn Hicks, President - DKG, Gamma Chapter (Outstanding Member of Delta Kappa Gamma - Beta Chapter for many years.) on: Apr 15, 2013
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My condolences to the Feniak family. Your mother and grandmother was a wonderful lady and a great inspiration to Faculty of Human Ecology students. I was a fortunate student to have enjoyed her mentoring during my practicum experiences. I too have that passion now to ensure university students get that connection to "real life scenarios" and make connections while they are completing their studies. Betty was one of my inspirations to ensure this practicum or experiential learning. - Posted by: Margurite Thiessen (Former Student) on: Apr 15, 2013
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Dr. Feniak made a wonderful contribution to her profession. The academic community in which she served and to the community in which she lived. It was a pleasure to know her. - Posted by: John Mundie (Colleague at the University of Manitoba) on: Apr 14, 2013
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Dear Barb and Peter. My condolences to you and your families. It was an honour to get to know your mother while she resided at The Wellington. She truly left a legacy to our community. - Posted by: Geri Lowe (friend) on: Apr 14, 2013
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Condolences to the family. Your mother, grandmother was a great mentor to many and helped me on a great career path. A truly remarkable lady. With sympathy. Sandra Fedirchuk, BHEcology 1983 - Posted by: Sandra Fedirchuk (Former student) on: Apr 13, 2013
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Peter, Barb. Many warm memories of your Mom from Bartlett Street. A remarkable woman. My condolences - Posted by: David Iles () on: Apr 12, 2013
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My sympathies on the passing of your mother. She was a very lovely lady. I'm sure she will be missed greatly. Hope you remember me ! - Posted by: Bev Burton (Gibbons) (Schoolmate) on: Apr 12, 2013