Obituary of Elizabeth Mary Bellamy

Betty was born January 9, 1936 in Yorkton; her parents lived in Wroxton, SK at the time.

Betty lost her father John Tatarenko when she was two years of age, and her mother Mary (Hnatyshyn) Tatarenko at the age of six. After her mother’s passing, she was raised by her beloved “Baba” Anna Hnatyshyn, who instilled in Betty a strong pride of her Ukrainian heritage.

Betty was an avid reader and a good student, attending Victoria School in Saskatoon, Canora Public School and Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon. She was awarded an entrance scholarship to the University of Saskatchewan, as well as a 3rd year University Women’s Club Scholarship, graduating with her Bachelor of Science in Home Economics in 1957.

In October 1957, Betty married Robert (Bob), the love of her life.

Betty’s interest in human services led to a career in social work in rehabilitation, first with the Dept of Social Services in Saskatoon, then Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina, as a medical social worker in pediatrics, followed by vocational rehabilitation work with the Canadian Paraplegic Association.

Betty was a gentle caring person, known for her commitment and compassion in her work, as well as her personal life. Volunteerism was an integral part of her life, and over the years she served in many capacities, as Sunday School teacher, school library volunteer, Girl Guide leader, literacy tutor, as well as canvassing, fund-raising, and serving on various boards in the city of Regina as an advocate for the disabled.

In recent years Betty served on the national executive of Lupus Canada. Having lived with lupus most of her adult life, she recognized the need for current medical information regarding lupus, for health professionals and patients alike.

In Saskatoon, Betty was instrumental in organizing seminars at Royal University Hospital. The seminars were dedicated to providing greater lupus awareness to patients in order to assist them and their families to cope with the disease.

Betty devoted many hours to publicity and fund-raising for the Butterflies of Hope Cookbook, the sales of which exceeded all expectations in Saskatchewan, again generating increased awareness about lupus.

In 2004 Betty received special recognition from Lupus Canada for her devotion to lupus awareness education, and in 2005 she was awarded the Saskatchewan Centennial Medal for a lifetime of volunteer work in Saskatchewan.

Travel was an integral part of Bob and Betty’s life together. Upon retirement they spent several winters in Mesa, Arizona. They enjoyed the out of doors, particularly camping, which ultimately led to the acquisition of property at Crystal Lake. Demolition of an existing cabin was a family project, and Betty and Bob together designed their summer cottage, which was built with their children, and where she and Bob spent many enjoyable summers and treasured family times with Patti and Doug and the grandchildren.

Photography was a special interest which Betty and Bob shared, as was square dancing, an activity which they enjoyed for many years, and which took them to many clubs in Canada and the U.S.

Survived by husband and best friend Bob, son Doug (Robin) grandchildren Ryan, Rachel and John David, great grandchildren Sara and Molly, daughter Patti (John Tobin) grandchildren Justin and Jessica.

Betty had a strong faith and was a member of Wesley United Church in Regina, and in recent years of McClure in Saskatoon.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Nora Alvarado for enriching Betty’s life with her incredible personal caregiving in recent months. The family would also like to thank the Saskatchewan Health Authority Team: Judy, Charlene and Melissa for their duty of care and professionalism in supporting Betty at home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lupus Canada for lupus research at 355-14th Ave. Unit #3, Markham, ON. L3R 0H5 or Royal University Hospital Foundation Saskatoon, Dept. of Respiratory Medicine or University of Saskatchewan College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, funds for needy students or CARG Saskatoon for equipment purchase for cardiac rehabilitation patients.

The Funeral Service for Betty will be at 1 pm Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at Saskatoon Funeral Home (338 - 4th Avenue North, Saskatoon). Refreshments and interment to follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.