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BETTY CHURKO
After a life well lived, Betty passed away peacefully at the age of 93 years with her family by her side.
Betty was predeceased by her husband Wilfred; brothers, Al, Doug, Ray, Bruce, and Gerry. She will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by son Marty Churko; daughters, Cindi Steg (Barry), Wendy Hein (Randy); grandsons, Wyatt and Brandson Hein, Liam Churko; sisters-in-law, Jean, Eleanor and Shirley Smallwood; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Betty was born in Winnipeg and raised in Elmwood. Coming from a family of six children, Betty was the only daughter of Edna and Herbert Smallwood. Wilf and Betty were married October 11, 1952. They lived on the corner of Union Avenue and Brazier Street for most of their married life, where she raised her family with her beloved husband of 59 years.
We have wonderful memories to cherish growing up, as our Mom was a stay-at-home Mom and we always thought that was so special. Be it camping, ice skating, car trips, picnics, tobogganing, Mom was game for anything. She always volunteered for Wendy’s many high school activities and made time to go with Cindi to her numerous musical events. She had a passion for fishing which she enjoyed with Marty and Liam. She was proud of her grandsons’ accomplishments and was always so excited to see them.
She was an avid reader of The Free Press, as she religiously read it everyday day. She was forever handing us clippings she thought we should read with our names scribbled across the top. Obituaries were clipped out, so she would be thrilled if you saved hers.
Our Mom was all about having fun. Our parents’ cottage was widely known in Grand Marais for Canada Day, as well as Western and Mexican themed parties. Every year the annual Lip Sync Concert at Grand Beach was something our Mom absolutely loved performing at on stage. Line dancing, a good yard sale, volunteering for the Santa Claus Parade, bird watching, and singing in Puerto Vallarta Mexico at Cafe Roma were all ways she loved to spend her time.
After Dad passed away in 2012, everything changed for Mom. She adjusted to living on her own at Concordia Village. When the signs and symptoms of dementia were apparent, we knew Mom would be happier and safer at Irene Baron Eden Centre where she stayed for a year. Middlechurch became her final home where we said goodbye.
Although Mom’s last few years were a challenge, she always had a smile on her face and welcomed a good visit. She missed her dancing partner (our Dad) – and couldn’t wait to see him again. We know they are dancing among the stars to their favourite song.
Could I have this dance for
the rest of my life.
Would you be my partner every night. When we’re together it feels so right. Could I have this dance for
the rest of my life.
The kindness, care and dignity that the staff of Middlechurch Home extended to Mom over the past four plus years was extraordinary. We are forever grateful to them for their loving compassion and for enriching her life with strolls in the courtyard, activities, music, and making it possible for her granddog to make weekly visits whom she adored.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Women’s Brain Health Initiative – To Combat Brain-Aging Diseases in Women.
A private family burial will take place at Glen Eden Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at Cropo Funeral Chapel Transcona, 1800 Day Street on Friday, December 6, at 1:00 p.m.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 30, 2024, Nov 30, 2024
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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My condolences to the Churko families. Betty and Wilf used to visit my mother, in Abottsford, many years ago. They bought her red Impala! My last contact was with daughter Wendy, when I was no longer able to contact Betty. I now live in Winnipeg and would be happy to reconnect with the family. Mickey (Anderson) Petersen mickpet@shaw.ca - Posted by: Mickey Petersen (Second Cousin) on: Dec 15, 2024
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Sorry to hear of your Moms passing. Sending out hugs to you all. - Posted by: Carol Wiens (Friend if siblings ) on: Dec 11, 2024
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Wendy and family, My sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. May you find comfort in your memories of her and through support of family and friends. - Posted by: Samara Fields (Former colleague of Wendy's) on: Dec 06, 2024
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Cindi & Barry, so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you at this time. Losing a loved one is especially hard - especially a mother. Hugs. - Posted by: Judy Boulloigne (friend) on: Dec 03, 2024
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Dear Cindi, May the memories you shared with your mom live on forever in your heart. My sincere sympathy to you and all the family. Hugs, Mrs. Zinkowski - Posted by: Eileen Zinkowski (Kindergarten Teacher) on: Dec 01, 2024
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Betty was always a spirited going concern who loved her family with strong spirit. - Posted by: Ron Siwicki (Friend) on: Dec 01, 2024
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We knew Betty from Cafe Roma. Sorry to hear! Our condolences to your family. - Posted by: Fox & Cheryl (Friend ) on: Dec 01, 2024
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As a boy I remember Wilf with nothing but a smile on his face. Our parents also passed some time ago, take solace in a life well lived. Mike & Madelene Churko - Posted by: Mike Churko (My father and yours were cousins ) on: Dec 01, 2024
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Mrs Churko will always remain a blessing to my life and memories of a kid growing up in Winnipeg. Her and Wilf were quite a pair. Her smile and wonderous nature, her energy and exuberance; her peanut butter sandwiches and koolaid were always welcomed and appreciated. They say it takes a village to raise a child. Mrs Churko was part of that for me. She welcomed me into her family’s life and I got to witness their joy firsthand; that and how to find a deal in the city. As a kid, we all knew you can’t get anything past Mrs Churko and so I never tried. Summer and winter are the two seasons of life in Manitoba and the Churko’s made life a very good thing to enjoy with them. All I can say in closing that wraps all those memories into one beautiful package is, Thank you, Mrs Churko. You made it a very good time! Be at peace. - Posted by: Barry Goertzen (Family friend and longtime mooch) on: Nov 30, 2024
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Sending condolences from Mexico to the Family. Our thoughts are with you at this time. We have many memories of times at the beach. - Posted by: Rick and Eleanor Presonka (Beach neighbor) on: Nov 30, 2024
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It is with great sadness, to learn of Betty's passing. Find comfort in knowing that you the family are in my thoughts and prayers, she will be missed. She was a good friend and neighbor, with a great zest for life and fun. I must say we did a lot of laughing. Rest in peace my good friend until we meet again. Love Janet. - Posted by: Janet Harris (Good friend and neighbor ) on: Nov 30, 2024
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So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. Her and Wilf were definitely party people. Lots of fun times at their theme parties in Grand Marais. Roger & Audrey. - Posted by: Roger & Audrey Batchelor (Friends) on: Nov 30, 2024
