Obituary of Marie Elizabeth Westmoreland

Betty, 93 years of age, passed away peacefully in the afternoon of Thursday, May 12, at Regina Wascana Grace Hospice in Regina. She was predeceased by her parents, Dr. Les and Wynn Gemmill, her two sisters, Peggy Baisi and Shirley Meyer, and her husband, Lloyd. She is survived by her daughter Cherie; cousin Freddie Porritt of Washington State; nephews Neil of Ottawa, Dale and Greg of the United States; and nieces Kim and Leslie, also of the United States. Betty was born in Moose Jaw, and lived in both Yorkton and Wolseley before moving to Regina in 1925. She received her ACTM from the Royal Conservatory of Music in 1936 and taught music until moving to Hamilton, ON in 1941, with her new husband, Lloyd. In Hamilton, Betty managed the Hamilton Music and Record Store for Canadian Music Sales. With the opening of CKCK Television in 1954, the Westmorelands returned to Regina. Betty enjoyed her many years, working part-time for Stanfields Saskatchewan distributor. Bettys volunteer work included a long term commitment to the IODE, which began in 1955. Betty was part of the beginning of the Government House Historical Societys Government House Tea Room in 1990, managing the kitchen for the teas for the first four years and continuing her involvement until September of 2006. In recognition of her contribution, a yearly volunteer award was named in her honour, jointly, with Marj Ewart. Betty was known for her warm hospitality, fine cooking, her skills at playing bridge and Scrabble. She was pragmatic, determined, strong, courageous and kind, with a quiet and unassuming elegance. She will be missed by special friends Betty Francis and Elva Whitton, and by her friends, old and new, most recently, at The Bentley, and at Selo Gardens Personal Care Home. A Celebration of Life gathering will be held at Speers Family Centre, 2333 Cornwall Street, Regina (two doors north of Speers Funeral Chapel) on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bettys name can be sent to William Booth Special Care Home, Regina Wascana Grace Hospice, 50 Angus Road, Regina, S4R 8P6. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com