Elizabeth Calyn

(nee Hildebrand)

September 27, 1927 – November 17, 2024

Elizabeth Calyn, known lovingly as Betty (by friends and colleagues) or Liz (by her family), passed away peacefully at the age of 97. Born to Bernhard and Helena Hildebrand near Winkler, Manitoba, Elizabeth spent much of her life serving communities across northern Manitoba as a dedicated public health nurse. She was a long-time resident of Grand Rapids, Manitoba, and spent her latter years in Winnipeg.

Predeceased by her beloved husband, John Calyn (1984), and her stillborn twins, William John Matthew and James Jonathan Mark (1968), Elizabeth is also predeceased by her siblings Jerry Hildebrand, Helen Churchill, Esther Krahn/Janzen, and Dan Hildebrand. She is survived by her sisters Anne Winter, Teenie Wall, Mary Dyck, Agnes Pauls, Martha Pauls, and Phyllis Pauls, along with numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews who cherished her deeply.

Elizabeth found faith in Jesus as a young teenager and it changed her view of life from despair and depression to one of gratitude and service. Early in her Christian walk, she discovered a calling to life as a healer and caregiver and pursued her education to that end. A graduate of nurses’ training, Elizabeth worked as a public health nurse in remote communities for over 40 years, long before the conveniences of telephones or flights. Known for her tenacity and compassion, she travelled great distances to provide care and support, earning the respect and gratitude of those she served. The town of Grand Rapids marked her legacy by naming a street in her honour, “Betty Calyn Drive.”

Elizabeth was a hard worker with a love for the outdoors. She tended to her garden with care, enjoyed fishing, and stayed active with cross-country skiing and curling. Despite living in remote areas, she kept in touch with her family, sharing a close bond with her siblings, nieces, and nephews. She also had a fondness for fruits and nuts, especially peanuts, her favourite snack.

A celebration of life for Elizabeth will be held Friday, November 29, 2024 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Riverview Health Centre, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 2P4. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Riverview Health Centre Foundation, One Morley Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3L 2P4, in gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the Riverview Health Centre staff.

Elizabeth’s legacy of service and kindness will be remembered by all who knew her. She was a beloved sister, aunt, and friend, and she will be dearly missed.