BETUZZI, MERRIE NOELLE
(MATCHETT-MULHERN)
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, Merrie Betuzzi on September 11, 2015 at
Lakeview Lodge in West Kelowna, B.C. She was
predeceased by her husband Charles Betuzzi
in 2013 and her sister Mayme Mulhern. She is fondly remembered by her children Gail (Terry) Willner, Mark (Jennifer) Betuzzi, Larry (Vera) Betuzzi, Jane (Gerry) Kyle, Connie (Bill) Osborne, Kevin (Fay) Betuzzi, Anne (Rob) Boyd, Chris (Suzanne) Betuzzi, Dana (Len) Kruiper, Tim (Cecile) Betuzzi, and Paula (Michael) Betuzzi. She was the proud grandmother to 23 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She is survived by her brother-in-law Doug Grant of Mount Vernon, WA and many nieces, nephews
and friends. She was born in Calgary, AB on Christmas
Day (December 25th) 1922. In 1940 Merrie moved to
Vancouver to live with her sister Mayme. She attended UBC and graduated in 1944 with a Bachelor of Arts and a teaching certificate. She taught on Salt Spring Island and in Penticton where she met Charles. They were married in Summerland on September 27, 1947. They were happily married for over 65 years. In the mid-fifties Charles and
Merrie moved to Lakeview Heights. Merrie was busy with the children, with lots of help from Charles. They also had a large garden and many fruit trees with fruit and vegetables to be used for freezing, drying and canning.
Mom enjoyed skating for many years, as a young girl and
as an adult. Seven Children, along with mom were
members of the Kelowna Figure Skating Club. At the
Mount Boucherie Figure Skating Club she assisted in
coaching the juniors and often participated with a routine
of her own in the ice show. She loved gardening and
nurtured a beautiful flower garden every year. She also
enjoyed baking, cooking, crossword puzzles, reading, watching TV (PBS, The Blue Jays, skating and old movies) Scrabble and Tile Rummy. She took up oil painting,
becoming very proficient in pieces that depicted the
landscape around Lakeview Heights and the surrounding areas. Sewing was another favorite pastime of Merrie's
and she made many, many quilts (with applique),
including one for each grandchild. Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Kelowna was a big part of her life. She was a very active participant in the CWL and also served as president for a number of years. She started a group called “Baby Steps” at the church making quilts for newborns
and moms in the area. It then grew to include knitted
and crocheted hats, blankets, baby clothes, and toys for
the less fortunate locally and in many other areas of the world. Merrie knit many “comfort” dolls, adding hair and
faces and other things, to give each a personality.
Charles and Merrie lived in their home in Lakeview Heights until 2010. They then moved to Westwood where they enjoyed making new friends and seeing old friends
and continued to appreciate a lake view. In 2013, Merrie
and Charles moved to Lakeview Lodge. The family would like to extend their thanks to Westwood for enabling a lovely home environment for Merrie and for the extra care given to Merrie. Many warm thanks go out to Bayshore for the wonderful care aids who assisted Merrie and attended to
her as companions in recent years. There is viewing and prayers at 10:00 am and a service at 11:00 am on
Thursday, September 17, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church 2547 Hebert Road, West Kelowna, B.C. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Merrie's memory to
Development and Peace.
Condolences may be sent to the family
by visiting www.springfieldfuneralhome.com
250-860-7077.