Obituary of Elizabeth "Betty" Popowich

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Folder". POPOWICH - Elizabeth ‘Betty' Popowich beloved wife of the late Nick Popowich of Yorkton passed away on Monday, March 28, 2011 at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina. She was eighty years of age. Elizabeth Lillian Alice Popowich was born December 11, 1930, in the Orkney District. She was the daughter of Fred and Edith (nee Fenn) Harrison. Betty attended Orkney School through Grade 11 and then attended Yorkton Collegiate Institute for Grade 12. She attended Moose Jaw Normal School and received her teaching certificate. Then she joined the RCAF as a wireless operator and was stationed at St. John, Quebec; Clinton, Ontario and Whitehorse. When the Morse Code wireless system was phased out, Betty returned to teaching. She taught in Orkney, Glyndwr, Liscard, Stornoway and Blueberry Creek, Alberta. She taught in Buchanan for 23 years and one year in Canora, retiring in 1994 after 32 years of teaching. On November 10, 1956, Betty married the love of her life, Nick Popowich. They were married in St. Andrews United Church with Reverend Jones officiating. Their union was blessed with three children: Greg, Laurie and Wendy. Betty was a devoted educator and mentor and, even after her retirement, volunteered many hours to helping children with their literacy and social skills. She coached sports teams in Buchanan, volunteered with Big Brothers and Big Sisters and, in recent years, enjoyed patrolling with Yorkton's Citizens' on Patrol Program. Perhaps growing up on a farm gave Betty her love of Nature. Her dogs, Kumere and Lucky were her loyal, faithful companions for many years and brought her tremendous joy. Betty will be remembered always for her generous and lifelong support of many charitable causes, including fostering children in developing nations. Her giving nature extended far beyond the material and all who knew her were touched by her kindness and generosity of spirit. Betty was also famous for her sense of humour, wit and appreciation of mischief: skills she no doubt developed growing up among six brothers. She had a wonderful way of making most things seem like adventure; her sense of fun and youthful, frequent laughter will be sorely missed. Betty passed away on Monday, March 28, 2011 at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina. She was eighty years of age. Among those who are left to celebrate Betty's life are her children: Greg (Elizabeth, Regina), Laurie (Sheldon Peddle, Winnipeg, MB) and Wendy (Ian McAdam, Lethbridge, AB); grandchildren: Nicholas, Lucas, Kate and Sam; brothers: Fred (Frieda, Rimbey, AB), Reg (Burlington, ON), Bob (Mary, Winnipeg, MB) and Doug (Roberta, Regina, SK). Betty is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Nick; parents, Fred and Edith Harrison; sister, Marjorie; brothers, Herb and Sid. A Prayer Service was held on Friday, April 1, 2010 from the Yorkton Memorial Gardens Family Centre. Funeral Services in Celebration of Betty's life was held Saturday, April 2, 2011 from Westview United Church in Yorkton with Faye L. Greer officiating. The organist, Laurene Jemieff with members of the church choir led the congregation in the singing of the hymns. Betty's daughter in law Elizabeth and grandson, Lucas sang a duet and selected verses. The hymns were ‘Just As I Am', ‘The Lord's My Shepherd', ‘Abide With Me' and ‘When You Walk From Here'. Honourary Bearers were Joyce Muir, Madelyn Zawerucka and the Ladies of the Westview Bible Study. Interment followed in the Garden of Gethsemene in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Clarence Protz, Morley Maier, Wade Hrebenik, Bob Edwards, Trent Harrison and Robert Harrison serving as the casketbearers. The family of Betty wish to thank everyone for their many acts of kindness during this difficult time. Betty's family and friends are grateful to the staff at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre and Regina's Pasqua Hospital Palliative Care Unit for providing professional, compassionate care. Memorials in Betty's memory may be made to the Orkney Historical Society c/o Box 221 Yorkton, SK S3N-2V7. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at www.baileysfuneralhome.com . Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Saturday, April 2nd, 2011 2:00pm, Westview United Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens