ELIZABETH (BETTY) GERTRUDE KONOPSKI

Peacefully, with her husband and children at her side, Betty passed away on August 21, 2023 in Victoria General Hospital at the age of 87.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Edward Konopski; children, Brian (Susan) Konopski, and Brenda (Dan) Hart; grandchildren, Maura Pajonk, Heather Konopski (Ryan Reuther), Tarryl (James) Watters, Kylee (Liam) Gilfillan, and Shelby (Blake) Henderson; great-granddaughters, Eleanor Henderson and Danny Gilfillan; special niece Karen (Reid) Parker; great nephew Riley; many more cousins, nieces and nephews; and her granddog Cooper. Betty was predeceased by her parents Albert and Geraldine Britcher; and sister Alberta (Tony) Bomak.

Born in Roblin, MB, Betty grew up on the family homestead on timber berths in what is now the Duck Mountain Provincial Park. She would learn resilience and the values of family and community growing up surrounded by the beauty of the woods. She has shared many stories from that time such as hopping across stones to cross the Valley River beside their log home. The family later moved to the Bield, MB area where they operated a sawmill and farm implements dealership.

Her education began through correspondence, and she went on to pursue further education at Little's Business College in Dauphin, MB. In 1954, she proudly earned certificates in stenography and bookkeeping and started her first job, a clerical position with Traders Finance in Dauphin.

On June 29, 1957, Betty embarked on a journey of love and partnership as she exchanged vows with the love of her life, Edward Konopski, in the very place where her story began.

Betty's dedication to making a positive impact extended beyond the walls of her home and family through volunteer service in many organizations. Betty was active in IODE, Eastern Star, UCW, St. Paul’s Auxiliary, hospital auxiliaries, the Dauphin Figure Skating Club (Secretary) and as the Parkland Regional Supervisor on the Skate Manitoba Board of Directors,

She curled in a mixed league and enjoyed many fun afternoons with the Dauphin Rockettes, even being part of the 1974 Rockettes Championship winning rink.

Further work roles included Dauphin United Church secretary and the Parkland Westman Area Coordinator with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Betty and Ed moved to Paradise Village near St. Anne, MB in 1999 and enjoyed a peaceful rural setting in their retirement. They moved into Winnipeg in 2006, and to Seine River Retirement Residence in November 2022.

In accordance with Betty's wishes, immediate cremation has taken place and there will be no formal memorial service. If you would like to further honour Betty’s memory, please consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, or to your favourite animal-related charity.

We find comfort in the thought of her reuniting with many dear family and friends who have passed before her. We also find solace in picturing her happily meeting up with loyal fur friends Pierre and Harley at the Rainbow Bridge, tails wagging and hearts full of joy.

In closing, Betty would have us forget and laugh rather than have us remember and cry. She shares a poem that brought her solace:

Scatter these ashes far and wide

To kiss the shore at every tide,

And though you will feel I am far away

I'll be close to you part of each day,

Feel no sorrow, for as you know

Life for me was not a bore.

Blessings come in many ways,

Cherished by loved ones all my days,

Played, laughed and cried a bit

But this is life, isn't it?

For now I've gone, for I have died,

Scatter my ashes, far and wide.

-Author unknown

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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