BETSY ELSKAMP

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

BETSY ELSKAMP February 12, 1960 - October 21, 2015 With peace, dignity, and family by her side, Betsy Elskamp passed away in the afternoon of October 21, 2015 into the loving arms of The Lord. Betsy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, auntie, and friend. Throughout Betsy's lengthy illness she showed strength, an unwavering faith and a great concern for her family. Betsy is now free of pain and resting with The Lord. Betsy will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her husband, Bernie; sons, Ben (Ashley), and Aaron (Stephanie); daughter, Becky (Yanni); grandchildren, Liam and Jack; parents, John and Pam Dibb-Smith; sisters, Sally (John), and Catherine (Mike); mother-in-law, Ursula Elskamp; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Neil), Monica (Dale), Lorina (Dan) and Ingrid (Scott); brother-in-law, Tom (Kris), and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Betsy was born on February 12, 1960 in Leicestershire, England to John and Pam Dibb-Smith. Soon after, her family moved to Trink Farm, St. Ives, Cornwall. Betsy went to school in Penzance and then to Riseholme Agricultural College in Lincolnshire where she joined an agricultural exchange program and arrived at the Elskamp's farm in 1979. Betsy married Bernie November 1, 1980. Her love for animals and music began as a young girl and continued throughout her life. She valued farming and loved that her children were growing up on the farm. She instilled her values in her children: a strong work ethic, a sense of community, and faith. Betsy quietly devoted her life to her faith with daily bible readings, teaching catechism, attending bible study groups and weekly celebrations at church. Family and friends were very important to Betsy. The countless trips back to England to see family and the many visitors she welcomed into her family's home made everyone's life richer. Betsy found a lot of pleasure and pride in working with family on the farm. In the many years on the farm, Betsy and Bernie hosted dozens of agricultural trainees in their home, whom are still good friends. Betsy loved preparing meals for her family, employees, and visitors out in the field during harvest time. In the later years, Betsy discovered a love of reading and enjoyed many nights out with her book club friends. These friendships grew strong over the years with outings that included camping, dinners, and shopping. Betsy thoroughly enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren. They were an important part of her life and she looked forward to their visits. They brought her great joy. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to all nurses at the Portage District General Hospital, Dr. Brett Finney, Dr. Chris Turner and the doctors at Clinic 3 at CancerCare Manitoba. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 1160-675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9. A celebration of Betsy's life will take place on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at the Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 1125 Saskatchewan Ave. E., Portage La Prairie, MB. Prayers and memories begin at 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Private family interment will follow. Lunch will be provided at the Woodlands Community Hall following the service. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 info@mackenziefh.com
Publish Date: Oct 27, 2015

BETSY ELSKAMP With dignity and family by her side, Betsy Elskamp passed away in the afternoon of October 21, 2015. Betsy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, auntie and friend. Prayers will be held at 10:30 a.m. with funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, at the Good Shepherd Roman Catholic Church, 1125 Saskatchewan Ave. E Portage la Prairie, MB. Private family interment will be held. Longer obituary to follow. MacKenzie Funeral Home Stonewall 204-467-2525 info@mackenziefh.com
Publish Date: Oct 24, 2015

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 27, 2015