Betty Garrett
March 22, 1929 - November 17, 2016
As published in the November 28, 2016 World-Spectator
Betty was born on March 22, 1929 at Wiwa Hill, Sask. to Irish immigrant parents who met and married in Canada. She and her younger sister Enid began life on a small prairie farm during the “dirty 30s”.
When her father joined the army, the family moved to Moose Jaw where Betty attended Central Collegiate. She completed her high school at West Jasper Place High School, now part of the City of Edmonton.
In 1949 she entered the Anglican Women’s Training School in Toronto to study theology. Academic studies were at Wycliffe College, University of Toronto. Although taking the same courses as the men, she did not earn a degree at the time, because she was a woman. Also as a woman, and because she was returning to “wild Saskatchewan”, she was required to take a four-month nursing aide course.
She returned to Saskatchewan and worked as a “Bishop’s Messenger” in Pelly Parish, in Prince Albert and in 1956 was sent to the Cabri Parish. There she met Robert “Bob” Garrett who also just happened to be a warden in the Pennant church! They were married in October of 1957, and Betty became a farmer’s wife and mother to Hal and Sheilagh.
In 1961 Betty was offered a position as lay incumbent at Lucky Lake.
A third child Pat was born in 1964. In the spring of 1966, Bob accepted a pasture manager’s job at Wapella.
In June twins Hugh and Margaret were born in Regina Hospital. Margaret was unwell and had to be left at the hospital while Betty returned home to care for her four children. She often said that leaving baby Margaret behind was one of the most difficult things she had to do. Margaret survived only three months.
Between raising her family, assisting Bob with duties at the pasture, and working out of the home herself, Betty sewed many clothes for her children, shirts for Bob, and raised a large garden and chickens for meat and eggs.
In 1970 Betty began work in what became known as the Saskatchewan Gateway Parish. She later became the first woman to be ordained in the Anglican Diocese of Qu’Appelle, the first woman to become a Canon, and the first woman Archdeacon in Canada.
In 1993 she was made an “Honorary Fellow” of the College of Emmanuel and St Chad (Saskatoon). In 1994 she received the Soroptimist International Award for “Woman Helping Woman”.
Betty’s life was committed to her family and to the Anglican Church. She continued to lead and assist with services all her life. She was very proud of the many weddings and baptisms she officiated at over the years, and felt deeply the loss of many family, friends and parishioners.
She loved and was very proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the grandma that was great! Living across from the high school, her house was often filled with the grandkids and their friends and she loved when they popped in for visits.
She enjoyed the many trips she took to Ireland, Scotland, England, New Zealand, the U.S. and across Canada, usually to visit family or friends. She was especially very proud of her Irish ancestry, and fond of searching out and telling the family history in a strong Irish brogue.
Family meals started with grace and “Slainte!” and prayers ended with “And may you be ‘alf an hour in heaven afore the devil knows you’re dead!”
Betty was pre-deceased by parents Chris and Henrietta (James) Hawkins, husband Robert (Bob) Garrett, son Pat, daughter Margaret and daughter-in-law Rhonda.
She leaves to celebrate her life: son Hal, (Sheryl), daughter Sheilagh, son Hugh (Shelly); granddaughters: Jordana (Kevin –deceased), Amy, Teddi (Kent), Stacey, (James), Bobbie (Justin), Katie (Kevin), Bailey (Kent), Brandy (Ryan), Darby (Kelley) and 18 great-grandchildren; sister Enid Yule, brothers-in law Mac Garrett, Jack Garrett (Joyce), sister-in-law Fran Garrett and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and family members around the world.
Betty passed away at the Southeast Integrated Care Centre, Moosomin, on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at the age of 87 years.
Funeral service was held at St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Moosomin, Sask. on Friday, November 25, 2016 at 2 pm.
Interment will take place at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Anglican Church of Canada– PWRDF or to a Charity of your choice in memory of Betty.
Email or sign the online book of condolences at www.carscaddenfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements in care of G.R. Carscadden Funeral Chapel, Moosomin.
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