Obituary of Betty Dolores Bolen

Our sweet Mom Betty Dolores (Tapp) Bolen passed away peacefully and gracefully on Friday, December 9^th listening to her favourite music, with her children by her side.

Betty was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Dr. Carl N. Bolen, in April 2022, an infant son, and her eldest grandson, Thomas Nicholas Schonhoffer. She was also predeceased by her parents, Nelson and Mary Agnes Tapp (MacLennan), her sister Connie Meunier and brother-in-law Donald Meunier, Carl’s siblings Pat (Mary) Bolen, Eva (Peter) Kaip, Rose (John) Molloy, and many aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends. Left to cherish her memory are her eight children Bernard (Patti), Kathryn, Christine, Carol (Brian) Manz, John (Charlene), James (Wendy), Douglas, Joan (Scott) Dunlop, 20 grandchildren, 8 great-grand-children and many nieces and nephews.

Betty was born in Southey, Saskatchewan, November 6, 1929.  Music became a lifelong love and passion for Betty, following in the footsteps of her Cape Breton Mother. Betty completed her Royal Conservatory Exams during her school years in Yorkton and performed in music festivals, and choirs. She became a sought after accompanist and loved playing with her sister Connie who was a talented violinist. Betty earned her Bachelor of Music Degree from the University of Saskatchewan, became an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT) and received a Licentiate Diploma (LRCM).  As a registered music teacher Betty supported many aspiring musicians. In the early 1950’s, she was the pianist for the John Thornicroft Trio who regularly performed at the Hotel Saskatchewan.

Betty met Carl, her forever love, at a Catholic Youth Dance at Holy Rosary Cathedral. They were married at the Cathedral in May 1952 and moved to Edmonton where Carl studied Dentistry, and Betty was employed at the University Library. After the birth of their first child, they returned to Regina, establishing Carl’s practice and their life on the prairies. Betty was a cheerleader for all things Saskatchewan including as a Roughrider season ticket holder for over 40 years.

Throughout Betty’s married life, she remained devoted to sharing her organizational and musical talents. She was a volunteer accompanist for choirs, for the Rotary Carol Festival, and she played, directed, and adjudicated at the Regina Music Festival. She participated musically in her parish communities of Holy Rosary Cathedral and St. Anne’s. Betty was a director of the Sacred Heart Academy Choir, Catholic Youth Choir and was a member of the Regina Philharmonic Chorus. In later years, Betty took pleasure playing for singsongs at Seniors’ residences and always loved a good concert. She was a member of the Regina Musical Club for years, serving as both President and Archivist. She was also a lifelong member of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), and Kiwaniannes.

Our Mom filled our home with laughter, love and of course, music. Mom exemplified kindness, charity and lived a life of faith. She taught us how to pray and prayed for us – we felt that love. She was Mrs. Hospitality and loved to entertain.  She embraced family, friends, and neighbours, and gladly set an extra place at the table for anyone who needed a meal. Mom’s smile and bubbly laugh were infectious, and she made everything fun.

Mom and Dad’s grandchildren were blessed to have Grandma’s and Grandpa’s love, time, attention and appreciation.  Grandma and Grandpa made every effort to know their grandchildren, participate in their lives and help steward them through life’s ups and downs.

Mom often shared with us that she had a happy life, was grateful, felt blessed and surrounded by love. Our bright, guiding light is gone. We will remember the love, not the loss.

We thank Mom’s caregivers for their tender loving care these past few years.

The Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, January 7^th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Parish, 1701 Cowan Crescent, Regina. Donations in Betty’s name can be made to the Regina Musical Club or the Canadian Diabetes Association.