Obituary of Betty Pickering

BETTY PICKERING July 10, 1948 – October 16, 2014 Betty Merle Pickering passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at Regina Wascana Grace Hospice at the age of 66 years. She was surrounded by friends and family over the last several weeks. She was predeceased by her parents Gilbert Arthur Pickering in 1980 and Winnifred Ebba Pickering in 1996. Betty is survived by sister Bernice (Arthur) Gerwautz and nephew Blair, both of Regina. She is also survived by aunts, Muriel McKaig and Lorraine Steffenson of Regina; and uncle Gordon Pickering of British Columbia. Betty is survived by numerous cousins, especially Trevor McKaig, and many friends. She is also survived by special friends Marie Sakon and Nancy O’Donnell-Monk. Betty was born and raised in Regina. She began her work life as a library assistant with Regina Public Library. In 1975, she became one of the first six women National Representatives hired by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the youngest. Betty spent 30 years in the Labour Movement working primarily in Health Care with CUPE and the Saskatchewan Government Employees Union (SGEU). After her retirement in 2004, Betty continued to be involved in key health reforms in our province. As a volunteer, she was an advocate for reforms which benefited patients, particularly seniors across the province in urban and rural centres. She received appointments to the Premier’s Provincial Health Council, the Board of the Saskatchewan Action Committee on the Status of Women, the Provincial Stewardship Committee on Primary Health Care, the Review Committee on the use of Medication in Long Term Care Facilities and most recently to an inter-disciplinary committee on the Homecare Quick Response, Homecare Pilot Project for the Ministry of Health. Betty was the President of the Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism. The organization awarded her Special Recognition at the 2014 Celebrating Seniors Gala in recognition of her valuable contribution as a senior volunteer. She was involved in other community activities such as the Chairperson for the Regina Beach and Buena Vista Primary Health Care Initiative; Chair of the Board of the Regina Community Clinic; President of the Saskatchewan Federation of Union Retirees and an Executive Board member of the Regina Beach Yacht Club. Friends and colleagues described Betty as a great leader. She was kind, compassionate, wise - someone who worked so hard for others. As a tireless advocate, she made a difference and was an inspiration to many who knew and worked with her – a role model, mentor and best friend. She was admired and appreciated for her strength, courage, energy, determination, purpose, grace, generosity of spirit, and passion for justice. She was known for her love, trust and loyalty to those she cared about. Family life was very important to Betty. She was the organizer for holiday and birthday celebrations. Whether a full turkey dinner or reservations at favourite restaurants, Betty organized us all. We will miss her sense of humour, her enjoyment in creating fun and her readiness to laugh. A Funeral Service will be held at Lakeview United Church, 3200 McCallum Avenue, Regina, SK on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.speersfuneralchapel.com In Betty’s Bible the following words were found: We are thankful for these and all the good things in life. We recognize that they are part of our common heritage and come to us through the efforts of our brothers and sisters the world over. What we desire for ourselves we wish for all. To this end may we take our share in the world’s work and in the world’s struggles. J.S. Woodsworth