Obituary of Elizabeth "Betty" Anne PHILIP

December 23, 1919 - Acadia Valley, Alberta
January 24, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Betty Philip of Calgary, AB, on Sunday, January 24, 2021, at the age of 101. 

Betty, the fifth of eight children, was born to Malcolm and Isabelle Gibson on the family farm near Acadia Valley on December 23, 1919 and was delivered by her grandmother, the local midwife. 

After finishing school, Betty went to Calgary to study hair dressing. 

Betty married Alvin Purper and became a mom to daughter, Linda. During the war, with Alvin overseas, Betty returned to Acadia Valley where both their families lived. In 1949 was the arrival of their second daughter, Heather. The family moved to Calgary in 1951 where Betty lived until her death. Alvin died in 1965, and five years later, Betty married Norman Philip. Her family grew with the addition of Norm's two children and his siblings. 

Betty was always an avid reader; gardener and athlete who loved to curl, golf, hike and play games with her children and grandchildren. She and Norm loved camping, taking many excursions in their motorhome, even venturing to Alaska. Over the years, they travelled to Scotland, California and Las Vegas. At 90, she was still active and energetic, especially enjoying a cruise to Alaska with Heather and Keith and a family trip to Cuba. Betty was creative and enjoyed crafts, sewing, knitting, drawing and painting; taking art classes together with Heather for several years. Always very supportive and caring to her children and interested in their lives, she was a classy lady and much loved by all who knew her.  

Betty will be lovingly remembered by her brother Bill, daughter Heather (Keith); her stepdaughter Barb Obee (Stew), and stepson Murray Phillip (Kathy); and her grandchildren, Kristen Prepolec, Drew Pedersen, Brenda Lindblad, Steven Friesen, Scott Obee, Mark Philip, Neal Tanner, Chelsea Philip and Michelle Philip; her great-grandchildren, Jordyn, Brock, Paige, Lauren, Sydney, and Sienna, and her recent great-great-granddaughter, Emy, who she wasn’t able to meet in person. Betty will also be dearly missed by her lifelong friend, Elsie Pedersen. 

Betty was predeceased by her husband Alvin Purper, second husband Norm Philip; daughter Linda Friesen and son-in-law, Keith Pedersen and grandson Sean Obee; and her siblings, Wilda, Cecil, Evelyn, John, Alan and Norman.

A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held when safe to do so. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. 

If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers donations may be made directly to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, 15 Colonel Baker Place N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3 Telephone: (403) 261-7219. https://cnib.donorportal.ca/Donation/Donation.aspx?F=1844&T=RECUR&L=en-CA&G=345&NFP=1 

The family wishes to thank the staff at AgeCare Midnapore of Calgary, for their excellent care in the last three years of Betty’s life and also the Pedersen family, for time spent with Betty when visiting their mother, Elsie Pedersen. 

In living memory of Betty Philip, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.