Obituary of Elizabeth Bolen

It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Betty Bolen on September 20, 2010 at the age of 86. You would never have known that Mom fought non-Hodgkins lymphoma for more than 19 years, because she did so with a brave face, an open mind and heart, perseverance and a determination that would never quit. She didnt let her disease and its progression stand in the way of living life to the fullest. We will miss her dearly, but are so grateful to have had our mom with us for so many years: Verne Bolen, Claudia and Otto Krasilowez, Carla and Gord Anderson, Daryl and Sheila Bolen, Darcy and Karyn Bolen, Paulette and Lyndon Lashinski, all of Regina; and son-in-law Phil (Tyma) Tweten of Calgary. Her 31 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their spouses have received the gift of Nana/Grandmas unending love and will keep her in their hearts always: Shaun Tweten (Keelee and Ty), Sage and Shaun Monto (Alyssa and Jacob), Deidre Bolen, Nicole and Derek Birkenshaw (Taylor, Caitlin and Courtney), Reagan and Jorge Gonzalez (Marcello and Diego), Ryan Clark (Damian, Dylan and Annabelle), Andi and Darren Polanski, Erin (Kevin) Thurmeier, Sarah Bolen and Willem Bolen, Krystal and Cole Schwan (Cheyenne), Madison and Shayla Bolen, Amber (Scott) and Carson Bolen. Devon (Chelsey), Breanne (Scott) and Rebecca (Devin) Lashinski. Betty is also survived by her brother Tony Lederhouse; sisters-in-law Bernice, Ruby and Peggy Lederhouse; Tess Menear; Eva Bolen and many nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and friends. Betty was predeceased by her oldest daughter Donna Tweten (1972), her husband Peter Bolen (1986), great-granddaughters Meagen Birkenshaw (1998), Lily Milford-Thurmeier (1999), and grandson Brendon Bolen (2007). She was also predeceased by her parents Alexander and Anna (Weinmeyer) Lederhouse; her brothers and sisters Michael, Anna, John, Frank, Sister Gerarda, Joe, George, Phil, Alex and Leo Lederhouse; sisters-in-law Beth, Margaret, Betty and Bella Lederhouse; in-laws Michael and Annie Bolen, Mick Bolen and Madeline Brill. Betty was born in Prince Albert, SK on November 26, 1923. She was one of 12 children born to Alexander and Anna. At age 17, Mom moved to Regina, attending school to become a certified Lab Technician. She didnt stay in her career long, after meeting and marrying our father Peter in 1946 and starting their family in Regina. Our mother will be remembered for many things, but mostly for her selfless, kind and giving nature. A devout Catholic, Mom devoted herself to the church as well as to raising 7 children and running a large household through some tough times. She went to work at Sears Canada in 1975 as an Inventory Control Clerk where she made many friends and kept everyone laughing with her practical jokes, and well fed with her never ending cooking and baking. After Moms retirement in 1985, then caring for our father at home through his brief illness, she threw herself into helping her large family and the community even more, working countless hours as a volunteer for many organizations, even when undergoing treatment for her own illness. Mom was a lifelong member of the CWL, received her 25 year pin for volunteering with the Pasqua Hospital Auxiliary working in day surgery and the front desk, volunteered at Santa Maria Nursing Home helping with the old? people, provided her guidance and time at Birthright, gave communion at Extendicare Nursing Homes and volunteered at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. She was recently selected as an Honor Guard for the 100th Anniversary celebration for the Roman Catholic Church. In her spare? time, she managed over 100 games of golf each year, walked up to 2 miles every single day, bowled in the winter, lawn bowled in the summer, all until she broke her hip in the winter of 2009. She attended many of the sporting events, concerts and programs that her grandchildren were in, and managed to bake and cook truly amazing goodies and meals for the family, friends and every event and bake sale that came along. Everyone wanted a recipe from her. You never left her house without the offer of a care package or something that was taking up too much room? in her freezer she needed more room to bake some more. And you could never forget to take a treat from Nanas treat bucket! Moms greatest pride was always her children and many grandchildren and she loved to tell everyone how they were doing and what they had accomplished. Mom was never without a book to read at home and a crossword puzzle in her car something to do at the red lights! Mom managed to take two amazing trips. She realized her dream of visiting Europe with a tour group enjoying a sitting with the Pope, and another trip to Lusanne, Italy with her daughter Carla. Over the years, Mom made many friends and acquaintances that loved and admired her and who we know will miss her. She provided transportation for many of these friends over the years and never turned down anyone needing a ride. Our sincere thanks goes out to those friends who spent time with her going to movies, dinner, attending events and meetings, keeping her company, and in the end, offering rides to her there are too many to mention, but you were all special to Mom. Our deepest thanks goes to Dr. B. Laursen of the Northgate Medical Centre who looked after Mom for over 35 years. Special thanks to Dr. Nielson and Dr. Rayson from the Allan Blair Cancer Centre who also cared for Mom for many years through her fight with cancer and never stopped caring or trying they gave her the confidence and hope and helped her to live a long and fulfilling life. We also thank the staff of the Wild Rose Care Home who lovingly helped to care for Mom in her final weeks. A special thank you to Fr. Antony for helping Mom find peace these last few days. Mom has been a true inspiration to all of us and the many who knew her. We will keep her in our hearts and memories forever. We miss you so much already Mom! Visitation for family and friends will be held from 7:00 8:00 p.m. TONIGHT, Wednesday, September 22, 2010 in Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina. Funeral Mass will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 23, 2010 in St. Annes R.C. Church, 1701 Cowan Crescent, Regina. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK, S4P 2R3. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com Dont cry because I am gone smile because I was.?