Obituary of Betsy Chaney

BETSY CHANEY (Dormuth) Betsy Chaney, formerly of Regina, passed away quietly at Preston Extendicare, Saskatoon on Saturday, June 14, 2014. Betsy Otten was born in Nijmegen, The Netherlands, January 1922, the fourth child of Victor G. and Elizabeth Fleury Otten. She was predeceased by her parents; her siblings; her first husband, Michel Dormuth, 1980; and recently, her second husband, John Chaney, September 2013. She is survived by her children, Elsbeth Dormuth [Greg Hutchings], Victor Dormuth [Bev Morrell] and Edward Dormuth; cousin Jannie Anderson; sisters-in-law, Doreen Thiessen and Ann Dormuth; as well as many nieces and nephews in the extended Dormuth family. Betsy is also survived by her nephew Victor de Kruif [Tineke] of Milsbeek, The Netherlands. She will be remembered by her grandchildren, Jeff Dormuth and children Tate and Ava and their mother Jodie, Jacklyn (Michael) Grisdale and children Ruby and Simone; and their mother/grandmother Susan Dormuth. She will be missed by many friends. Betsy had many fond memories of life in Nijmegen before Holland was invaded and occupied by the Nazis. Even life under German occupation had some funny moments. Most times however were very difficult. Thus, when a handsome Canadian soldier began spending time with the Ottens and Betsy in particular, it was easy to say yes to a new life in Canada, post WWII. She immigrated to Canada in 1947. As an active volunteer and community member, she was involved in many organizations, the children’s schools and several choirs. Music was a lifelong love and Betsy was a long time member of St. Andrew’s United Church Choir. As a member of the Regina Ladies Choir, and the Philharmonic Choir, she was thrilled to take part in many city and provincial celebrations. Betsy also volunteered with the Red Cross, Salvation Army Grace Haven Auxiliary, and knit dozens of baby sets for the Guardian Angel Program. Giving something back to the community was important, and she spent many hours on committees, working at events, canvassing or assisting those less able. Her hands were never idle, many of us will cherish a garment or afghan made by Betsy. She loved to travel, and made many trips overseas, “home” to Nijmegen, and often to the United Kingdom. Family trips to Banff and Waterton were regular events, as were weekends at the Dormuth cottage at Buena Vista. Art and exercise classes, musical events and theatre were favorite activities. Hosting family and friends at home, and in recent years, at Parkside, were highlights in her life. Betsy, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. We will remember your loving smile, even when a devastating stroke took so much from you. Your will be remembered for your sense of fun, your hospitality, your knowledge and your artistic nature. The family wishes to thank the staff at Parkside Extendicare in Regina and Preston Extendicare in Saskatoon for the compassionate care of Betsy over the years. Donations may be made to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Saskatchewan, 279 – 3rd Avenue North, Saskatoon, SK, S7K 2H8. A Memorial Service will be held at Speers Funeral Chapel, 2136 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 1:00 p.m.