Elizabeth (Betty) Willems died Mar. 30, 2010. She was born Sept. 26, 1922 in Alexandrovka Colony, Siberia to John and Elizabeth (Giesbrecht) Rempel. They immigrated to Canada in 1928, eventually settling in Steinbach, Man. One of Betty’s favourite memories was going to camp after memorizing 500 Bible verses. She met Nick Willems while studying at MB Bible College in Winnipeg, and they were married in 1946. Nick and Betty were committed to partnering in each church Nick pastored (Dalmeny, Woodrow, and Saskatoon,Sask.; North Surrey, Prince George, and Abbotsford, B.C.). Betty was his secretary and served the Christian education, music, or women’s ministries. Her joy was leading the Melody Ensemble of more than 40 senior musicians that performed in churches, senior’s residences, and care facilities in the Abbotsford area. Betty had a natural graciousness and the gift of hospitality. Beauty was important to Betty; she filled her home with the results of her crochet hock, knitting needles, sewing machine and, in her last years, her paintbrush. Predeceased by Nick, Betty is mourned by children Elizabeth, Irene (Victor), John (Blenda); 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren. The funeral was at Waldheim (Sask.) MB Church.
