Betty Purcell

Betty Margariete Purcell (nee Hoggard) passed away peaceful on February 18, 2016 after a long, valiant battle with dementia. Betty was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 46 years, Stephen in 1989, father Ernest Hoggard (1976) and mother Elizabeth (1956). Betty will be sadly missed by her sons Gordon (Marion), Garry (Eileen) of Calgary, George (Shirley) of Cochrane, as well as her grandchildren Stephen, Cindy, Jennifer, Robert, Betty and Garry as well as eleven great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren.

Betty was born Sept. 27, 1919 in Banff, Alberta, a place where she lived most of her life. For a few years Betty lived in Vegreville, Alberta where her husband Steve managed the Alberta Hotel for the Calgary Bottle and Brewing Company.

In 1947 Betty was the first President of the Banff Ladies' Auxiliary and a charter member. Betty was a caring, loving, and inspiring woman who looked after her parents while maintaining perfection in the role of mother and wife. She enjoyed attending the weekly bingos at the Banff Legion. Betty was fiercely proud of her children and grandchildren and could often be heard telling of their accomplishments to all who would listen. She was an eternal optimist for whom life was to be lived without hesitation and was concerned with giving to others more than caring for herself. She maintained this spirit to the end and will be sorely missed by all.

A Celebration of Life for family and friends was held Friday,

March 4, 2016 in St. George's-in-the-Pines Anglican Church, Banff.

Following the funeral service, relatives and friends were invited to meet at the Banff Royal Canadian Legion where they were invited to bring their stories and smiles.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing to remember Betty may make a donation in her memory to the Banff Legion Ladies Auxiliary.

Her family wishes to extend sincere appreciation to the staff of the Banff Health Community and the staff of the Brentwood Lodge in Calgary who made her last years with us much better.

Special thanks to all of moms friends.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.