Obituary of Elizabeth (Betty) Willway

The family of Betty Willway of Regina and formerly of Dubuc, beloved wife of Alan Willway, passed away on Friday, December 1, 2023.

Click Here to view livestream.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Elizabeth Willway, on Friday December 1, 2023 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Elizabeth was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, auntie, teacher, and friend. She was predeceased by her parents Andy and Annie Gelmich, her brothers John and Andy Gelmich and her sisters Nellie Kondro and Mary Gorchinski.  She is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Alan Willway and leaves behind a legacy of warmth and love through her two daughters: Verone (Barry) Charington and Verity Willway (Roger Perzan), her five cherished grandchildren: Verenna (Ryan) Maduck, Vanessa (Ryan) Bourlon, Braden Charington (Marie McKinnon), Brittany (Kelly) Ashburner and Layne (Natasia) Peterson,  her seven beloved great grandchildren: Madeleine, Charlotte, Raya, Owen, James, Julian and Millie and younger sister Rose (Don) Walters, as well as many nieces, nephews and great friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Elizabeth Willway was born on September 27, 1928 in Fitzmaurice, Saskatchewan. She attended Calderval Elementary School and Theodore High School. She further attended Moose Jaw Normal School where she received her Standard Teaching Certificate. She began her teaching career in Vidora in 1947, retiring 32 years later teaching at PJ Gillen in Esterhazy, SK in 1983. Following her retirement, Elizabeth continued as a substitute teacher and later volunteered at an Elementary School in Donna, Texas throughout the winters of 2007-2017

Elizabeth lived her life to the fullest. She enjoyed dancing, reading, golfing, travelling, and playing cards with her family and friends. She was passionate about keeping a clean and well swept home and always looking her best.

Elizabeth spent her free time volunteering and being a part of many organizations that were important to her. She held elective and appointed offices in Deborah Rebekah Lodge #12 in Dubuc, Sk., was area Campaign Cancer Captain, the President of Last Oak Ladies Golf Club, the President of the Potashville Superanuated Teachers Association, and the President of Dubuc Housing Authority

Elizabeth, our angel in heaven, for the last 95 years you have shown the world what it means to be a hard worker, to be selfless, loving and how to live each day to the fullest. Elizabeth Willway was precious, a gift from God. She possessed so much beauty, grace, love, and energy. She touched all our hearts in so many ways.  Even on her last days on Earth, her strength and will to fight to see her Great Grandchildren grow up, will never be forgotten. She was a pillar of strength for her family, always putting their needs above her own. Having been an admired educator for 32 years, Elizabeth valued education and took pride in continuing to learn and to teach others everyday of her life. She lived her life guided by a strong faith, offering prayers for others, and finding so much fulfillment in the company of family and friends. Elizabeth’s legacy of love, compassion, and joy for life, will forever be imprinted on the hearts of all those who had the privilege of knowing and loving her. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, a cause dear to Elizabeth’s heart.