Obituary of Kathleen (Betty) Elizabeth GIRARD

March 13, 1923 – London, England

November 2, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Kathleen (Betty) Elizabeth Girard, age 97, of Calgary, AB, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 2, 2020, at Skypointe Seniors Community, her residence for the past two years.

Betty was born in London, England to Walter and Clara May Hargrave in March 1923. Shortly after the start of WWII, Betty met her beloved Joseph, a Sergeant in the Canadian Army, at London’s historic Star and Garter ballroom. They married on December 19, 1942. Joe went off to war to fight the Italian Campaign a few months later, separating them for several years during which Michael, their first son, was born. Betty courageously kept Michael safe through the horrific bombing of London, sharing rations, sheltering in the underground and losing three homes in that unrelenting daily onslaught.

At the end of the war Betty, a war bride, and Michael sailed to Halifax, NS, then travelled by train across Canada, to Alberta. They were reunited with Joe when he obtained his discharge and arrived back from Europe. First settling in Wainwright, and then moving to Edmonton for several years where their son Brian was born. The family moved to Lethbridge where Joe worked for CP Air and son Glenn and daughter Joanne were born, completing the family. Together they ran a successful business raising and training hunting dogs at Bae Run Kennels and were members of the Southern Alberta Kennel Club, where they made lasting friendships. In 1965, they moved to Calgary where Betty took on a part-time job at Sears Canada to pay for Christmas presents - staying for thirty-five years and becoming a manager in the Catalogue sales division. She was much loved by her staff, management and customers alike and received Sear’s coveted ‘Five Star’ award – national recognition for excellence given to their top employees.

Betty enjoyed golf, bowling and especially time with her family and many friends of all ages. She was an adept conversationalist, always keen to engage in discussions on politics, current events, pop culture, and the importance of character. She was a cherished friend to many, known for her generosity and kindness, always offering a caring word, support and wise guidance to anyone in need. Betty was proud of her British roots and felt blessed to be a Canadian. She loved this country, deeply valued our hard-earned freedom and dutifully voted in every election.

Betty was an exceptionally supportive and caring mother, a cherished grandmother and a proud great-grandmother. She is survived by her sons, Michael (Evelyn), Brian (Wendy), and Glenn; her daughter Joanne (Robert), grandchildren, Rod (Laura), Ryan (Nicole), Michelle, Greg, Evan (Su Ying), Claire (Josh), Phil (Melissa) and Montanna; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Kirk, Jack, Tanner and Lively. Also surviving Betty is her niece and dear friend Deanne Kondrat, and her family, Giselle (Leo), Janet (Vince), Dean and Roger; plus Betty’s great-great nieces and nephews, Kate, Mark, Danielle, Erica, Evelyn, Calvin, Charlotte and Elizabeth.

“Do not be sad. Soon the fond memories shared will turn your tears into smiles for all the wonderful times we created together. Knowing each of you has been the joy of my life.”

Due to COVID-19, a private family graveside ceremony and blessing will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2020. Betty will join her husband Joseph, who predeceased her in 2011, in Queen’s Park Cemetery, Veteran’s Field of Honour. A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held in 2021 after the risk of COVID has diminished.

Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Betty’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, 220, 6223 – 2nd Street S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 Telephone: (403) 266-0620, ext. 1112, www.diabetes.ca, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.

The family wishes to extend their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to the caring staff at Skypointe, who supported Betty as her health declined and whom she valued, respected and cared about - especially Frankie, Amar, and so many others.

In living memory of Betty Girard, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.