Obituary of Lorine Dorothy Betker
Lorine Dorothy Betker (nee Schaan)
Aug 4, 1935 – Jan 13, 2021
If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
Very early on Jan 13th, Mom passed peacefully with son Stephen at her side. We imagine her finally reunited with the love of her life, our Dad Percy, who passed away in 1987.
Mom was the heart and soul of our family. Feisty and independent, she had an adventurous and inquisitive spirit, and a quirky sense of humour. She was well-known for her loyalty, kindness, empathy, and generosity.
Always happiest amongst family and friends, Mom hosted countless gatherings over the years – a pattern that continued at Primrose Chateau where staff and residents quickly became part of her beloved family. Any combination of good company and good food was her favourite entertainment, along with many arts and cultural events.
Mom was born to Mary and Bernhard Schaan near Mildred, SK., but her parents and six siblings also lived in Shellbrook, Prince Albert, and Saskatoon until her parents bought and ran Kenaston Café. Mom and Dad met there in 1955 when his crew was in town to rebuild phone lines after a blizzard. They married in 1956 and moved to Yorkton before building a home in Saskatoon in 1965. Mom dedicated herself to homemaking while Dad continued his career with SaskTel until his early retirement in 1986.
Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling, and after his untimely passing, Mom travelled six of the seven continents, making new friends every trip. When not travelling, she maintained meticulous care of her home and gardens – there wasn’t a blade of grass in her yard – it was vegetables in the back, and perennials in the front; and we always went home after summer visits with armloads of produce and flowers.
Mom’s pride and joy was family. Mourning her deeply are children Belinda (Beth), Stephen (Rhea), Gary (Cecile), and Boyd (Melissa); grandchildren Shaun (Nicole), Ashe (Ryan), Angie (Michael), Andrew, Matt, Amanda (Jeremy), Michelle (Cal), Gabe, and Heidi; and great-grandchildren Hannah, Carson, Olivia, Hailey, Ayla, Griffin, and Auston. Also missing her greatly are her brother Len, and sister Kathy (Lloyd); and many other well-loved family and friends.
Thank you to Dr. Lynda Ledray for many decades of Mom’s care; to Dr. Kelsey Brose and Karly for the past year of support and compassion; to SCH CTC staff; and to the 7th floor nursing staff and Dr. Mark Fenske at SPH.
Mom would not have survived the past year without regular blood transfusions. Please consider being a blood donor to support others who need blood donations to live. Mom supported numerous charities – should you wish to make a donation in her memory, please select any charity of your choice.
Mom requested no funeral or service, but we will celebrate her memory at a later date, when it is safe to be together again in a group and share hugs like Mom always loved to give and receive.