Keating, Betha Louise Keating (nee Calis)
Born January 18th, 1923 at Selkirk Manitoba. Passed away April 10, 2003 at home in Nanaimo, having found a deep peace five days earlier as she neared the end of her third clash with cancer. A gallant lady, she came to her final days surrounded by family and supported by friends after a long and varied life. Born into town life, she later married a farmer and took on rural life with considerable fortitude and gusto. When her husband became a preacher she moved into manses and frequent changes of community. Both in small town Manitoba and urban BC. All through this time she touched many people across a wide spectrum and became attached to a very varied circle of friends and she was a devoted mother and grandmother. For Betha music was a big thing providing many of the high points of her life, all the way from the Philharmonic Choir in Brandon Manitoba to the Malaspina Choir in Nanaimo and lately to the Brechin Church Choir. With it’s connections to Ron Klusmeir’s mid Island recording choirs. Betha was predeceased by her sister Helen Calis and by her brother Bob Calis and sister-in-law Myrtle. She is survived by her loving husband Arvon; daughters Leslie (David), Audrey (Elaine) and sons Gyle (Sammy) and Kent (Debbie); 8 grandchildren; Jeremy & Jennifer, Naomi, Annya and Stephanie, Brandon, Aaron and Tiffany and by nephew Rob (Debbie) and niece Wendy (Steve) and by dear friends Blanche Besse and Evelyn Steele. She will be sorely missed in many places. A memorial service was held Tuesday, April 15th at 3:00pm in Brechin United Church in Nanaimo. Interment will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Betha’s name to the Cancer Society, The Alzheimers Society or a charity of your choice.
“ ...They who wait for the lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings like the Eagle....”
Isaiah 40:31
Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services