Elizabeth Marie “Betty” Toews
Elizabeth Marie (Betty) Toews (nee Kronewitt) passed away peacefully on February 7, 2015 in Whitehorse, Yukon. She was born in Fairview, Alberta on May 15, 1942 to parents, Peter and Frances Kronewitt, the second of three girls. Betty was a nurse at Grande Prairie Hospital which was where she met Vern, the love of her life. They married July 8, 1961.
In the early years of their marriage, Betty and Vern lived in numerous places throughout Alberta and the Northwest Territories before settling in Whitehorse in 1972.
Betty and Vern had three daughters, Susan Toews (Chris), Frances Graham (Ken) and Michelle Christensen-Toews (Paul). Betty loved music, playing the piano and accordion although unable to read a note of sheet music, as well as remembering the words to any song even when her memory faded.
Despite the challenges from living with multiple sclerosis for over 49 years, Betty remained positive, gentle and kind – an incredibly social person, she loved interacting with people. We will all miss how her smile and laugh brightened the room.
Betty was predeceased by Vern in 2010. She leaves to honour her memory her sisters Katherine and Pat; daughters, Susan, Frances and Michelle; grandchildren Lenette, Tristian, Dena and Davis; six great grandchildren, as well as many extended relatives and friends.
Special thanks to Dr. Quong and the staff at Copper Ridge, for their many years of exceptional care. Also, thank you to Hospice Yukon for the loving care and support provided as Betty became more palliative. A mass celebrating Betty’s life will be held at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 406 Steele Street, Whitehorse at 10:00 am on Friday, February 20th, after which she will be buried next to Vern in the Haines Junction Cemetery.
Condolences may be offered at www.heritagenorth.ca. Flowers are gratefully declined, but those who wish to do so may make a donation to the MS Society.
