With fond memories, an overwhelming sense of loss, and great sadness, we announce the passing of Betty Ruth Anderson on November 27th, 2023 (Winnipeg, Manitoba). To others, she was an adventurer, traveler, teacher, mentor, and friend. To her family, she was our matriarch, a beloved mother, nana and great nana - the epitome of love, support, caring, compassion, and kindness.
Betty was born on September 24, 1929 in Chicago, Illinois, and spent her formative years living in what is now known as Tanzania. Growing up in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, Betty would receive regular presents from her “Uncles” Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. She loved to both sing and dance as a child and dreamed of one day becoming a prima ballerina.
At the age of 17, Betty moved back to the United States to attend Gustavus Adolphus College where she met her first love (Neil), graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and started a family. Eventually making her way to Kenora, Ontario she started her teaching career as a high school English teacher (she taught History and German as well) and became Head of the Guidance Department at Beaver Brae Secondary School. This is where she found her true calling, serving as an advocate for those who were most vulnerable.
She will be remembered as a petite yet incredibly strong woman, full of vitality with a passion for life, her family and friends. She adventured all over the world from a young age, a passion that continued well into her late 80’s. She also loved spending time on “Little Crow Rock” island (Lake of the Woods), playing bridge with her friends and family, and mentoring her students long after they had graduated from school.
Betty was pre-deceased by her devoted husband Bert Oussoren, her beloved son Richard (Rick), her parents (Richard & Elveda), and cherished sister Dagmar. Betty will be greatly missed by her children Cyrena, Neil, Mark (Carmen), Lisa, her daughter-in-law Dianne and sister Ingrid as well as her ten amazing grandchildren, Syrena, Kendra, Ayoka, Joseph, Ben, Hannah, Alexis, Katelyn, Dagmar and Madelaine, nine great grandchildren, Lily, Markus, Violet, Grayson, Noah, Mila, Huckleberry, Malin, Penelope and her second family Sean (Jackie, Owen, Leo) and Trevor (Kylie, Jonah, Nolan).
While her song may have ended, the melody lives on and when we close our eyes we can see Betty singing and dancing with those that passed before her and have waited patiently for her arrival.
We love and miss you mom!
In lieu of flowers, the family would greatly appreciate donations being made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Society of Manitoba. (https://alzheimer.mb.ca/)
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