Obituary of Betty Swift
Betty Swift
February 1938 – February 2024
It is with broken hearts that the family of Betty Swift (Bender) announce her sudden passing on February 2, 2024. Mom was funny and thoughtful, and always thinking of others – some of her best qualities, though she had many. Mom was born in Caragana, Saskatchewan on February 13, 1938. She was the youngest of seven children and the only one to be born in the hospital. When mom finished school, she moved to Melfort to attend business college and this is where she met my dad, Harold, who would become the love of her life until his passing in 2015. Mom and dad married in 1958 and completed their family with the birth of Greg in 1961 and Michele in 1964. Dad’s career moved them to Yorkton, where they made many friends and mom learned the fine art of making cabbage rolls and perogies. They eventually settled in Saskatoon in 1967. Mom worked part time for many years which allowed her more time at home to raise her family. She began working at SGI full time where she continued to work until her retirement in 1995 after 18 years. After retirement, mom kept busy with her family, volunteering at City Hospital, Avon, golf, cards, socializing, trips to the casino, yoga, camping and travelling with dad and the family. They enjoyed many trips together – Costa Rica, Alaska, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Mexico, Nashville, Palm Springs, and New York to name a few. There was rarely a baseball, hockey or soccer game, piano recital, wedding, or anniversary that mom (and dad) missed. They loved to camp but when the travel got too much, they set up at Gordie Howe Campground each summer where they enjoyed being close to family and friends to visit. Even after dad passed away, mom continued her annual monthly camping there, where we had many campfires, family gatherings, games of crib, laughs and way too many hot dogs for mom’s liking!
Although we felt it ended too soon, Mom had a good life – the best husband; children and grandchildren who loved her dearly and who she saw regularly, siblings close by, nieces and nephews that called, messaged, or dropped in for a visit, friends – so many friends, travel, volunteering, and a comfortable home. She was an amazing soul who was very loved and will be dearly missed.
Mom will be forever remembered and loved by Michele, Tony, Matthew, Christian, Sarah and baby Reese, Joshua and his dog Eddie
, brother and sister-in-law Bill and Kathy, many nieces and nephews and countless friends. She was predeceased by her husband Harold, son Greg, sisters, Marie, Bea, and Margaret, brothers Walter and Ron, sisters-in-law Flora, Shirley, and Isabell, brothers-in-law, Johnny, Ivan, Mike and Bill and niece, Melanie.
A Celebration of Betty’s Life will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024 at 2:00 pm from Mayfair United Church (902 33rd St. West, Saskatoon).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Ronald McDonald House Charities (Saskatoon or Edmonton House) or the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, Saskatoon.