We Remember

BETUZZI, Merrie Noelle (Matchett-Mulhern)

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It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, Merrie Betuzzi on September 11, 2015 at Lakeview Lodge in West Kelowna, B.C.

She was predeceased by her husband Charles Betuzzi in 2013 and her sister Mayme Mulhern.

She is fondly remembered by her children Gail (Terry) Willner, Mark (Jennifer) Betuzzi, Larry (Vera) Betuzzi, Jane (Gerry) Kyle, Connie (Bill) Osborne, Kevin (Fay) Betuzzi, Anne (Rob) Boyd, Chris (Suzanne) Betuzzi, Dana (Len) Kruiper, Tim (Cecile) Betuzzi, and Paula (Michael) Betuzzi. She was the proud grandmother to 23 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

She is survived by her brother-in-law Doug Grant of Mount Vernon, WA and many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was born in Calgary, AB on Christmas Day (December 25th) 1922. In 1940 Merrie moved to Vancouver to live with her sister Mayme. She attended UBC and graduated in 1944 with a Bachelor of Arts and a teaching certificate. She taught on Salt Spring Island and in Penticton where she met Charles. They were married in Summerland on September 27, 1947. They were happily married for over 65 years.

In the mid-fifties Charles and Merrie moved to Lakeview Heights. Merrie was busy with the children, with lots of help from Charles. They also had a large garden and many fruit trees with fruit and vegetables to be used for freezing, drying and canning.

Mom enjoyed skating for many years, as a young girl and as an adult. Seven Children, along with mom were members of the Kelowna Figure Skating Club. At the Mount Boucherie Figure Skating Club she assisted in coaching the juniors and often participated with a routine of her own in the ice show. She loved gardening and nurtured a beautiful flower garden every year. She also enjoyed baking, cooking, crossword puzzles, reading, watching TV (PBS, The Blue Jays, skating and old movies) Scrabble and Tile Rummy. She took up oil painting, becoming very proficient in pieces that depicted the landscape around Lakeview Heights and the surrounding areas. Sewing was another favorite pastime of Merrie’s and she made many, many quilts (with applique), including one for each grandchild.

Our Lady of Lourdes Church in West Kelowna was a big part of her life. She was a very active participant in the CWL and also served as president for a number of years. She started a group called “Baby Steps” at the church making quilts for newborns and moms in the area. It then grew to include knitted and crocheted hats, blankets, baby clothes, and toys for the less fortunate locally and in many other areas of the world. Merrie knit many “comfort” dolls, adding hair and faces and other things, to give each a personality.

Charles and Merrie lived in their home in Lakeview Heights until 2010. They then moved to Westwood where they enjoyed making new friends and seeing old friends and continued to appreciate a lake view. In 2013, Merrie and Charles moved to Lakeview Lodge. The family would like to extend their thanks to Westwood for enabling a lovely home environment for Merrie and for the extra care given to Merrie. Many warm thanks go out to Bayshore for the wonderful care aids who assisted Merrie and attended to her as companions in recent years.

There is viewing and prayers at 10:00 am and a service at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 17, at Our Lady of Lourdes Church 2547 Hebert Road, West Kelowna, B.C. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Merrie’s memory to Development and Peace.

For those wishing to send a condolence, photos or share memories, may do so by scrolling down this page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

 

 

Service
11:00 am on Thursday, September 17, 2015

Location
Our Lady of Lourdes Church

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Service Information

Service Details


The service for BETUZZI, Merrie Noelle (Matchett-Mulhern) is scheduled for 11:00 am on Thursday, September 17, 2015 . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Our Lady of Lourdes Church

2547 Hebert Road West Kelowna, B.C.

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Noelle Jefferys says:
    September 14, 2015 at 12:48 pm

    Truly one of the most amazing people I ever met. I looked forward every time I went to visit Merrie and Chuck. She got me totally hooked on The Red Green Show and Judge Jury. I’ll always remember her smile and chuckle every time I took crazy Copper to visit her. Oh my we had some laughs!!! Much love Merrie and thank you for some wonderful memories.
    Noelle

    Reply
  • Domenic and Lina Rampone says:
    September 14, 2015 at 2:58 pm

    our thoughts and prayers are with you

    Domenic and Lina Rampone

    Reply
  • Gord, Juanita, Tyler and Natashia Bowman says:
    September 15, 2015 at 11:27 am

    We remember Merrie Noelle fondly when she and Charles would so graciously welcome us into her home when we would go visit Anne and Rob while they were there visiting. As she was used to having a big crowd, what was a few more… we would talk about our faith which she was so strongly rooted in. May God be a source of comfort to her family. I can see her now surrounded by a beautiful flower garden. Blessings to you all!! Peace be with you.

    Reply
  • Ray and Pat Wedlund says:
    September 16, 2015 at 3:46 pm

    Kevin and Fay – our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Merrie was a lovely lady I always enjoyed our visits.

    Love Pat

    Reply
  • Maegan Church says:
    September 16, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Merrie but I’ve enjoyed a friendship with her daughter, Dana, for a number of years. Dana’s always spoken with deep love and admiration regarding her mother and I could tell that they shared a very strong bond. Dana told many wonderful stories about growing up in her large family and what a loving and involved mother she had. I want to send my heart-felt condolences to Merrie’s friends and family, who I will know l miss her very much.
    Sincerely, Maegan Church
    Sincerely, Maegan Church

    Reply
  • Vawn and Brenda Kramer says:
    September 16, 2015 at 7:27 pm

    Mark and Jennifer. Our heartfelt sympathy on your loss of your mother.

    Reply
  • Kelly Mulhern says:
    September 16, 2015 at 7:32 pm

    To all my wonderful cousins and their families,
    I treasure all of the lovely memories spent with your Mom. This ” city” girl was never happier than when she got to collect the warm eggs from under the fluffy hens each morning, or enjoying delicious juicy fruit from the orchard freshly picked. We had the great fortune to see Merrie in August. Such a treasured visit. So thankful she now joins her life partner, to watch over us all. Our thoughts are with you at this special time. Looking back through old photos brings back so many fond memories. We feel so blessed to be part of your amazing family. Please share all of the hugs and love we send you at this time.
    Love from Kelly, Briana and Dave
    Xoxoxo

    Reply
  • Lorna Muenz says:
    September 17, 2015 at 4:23 pm

    I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the family of Merrie Betuzzi, I was privileged to have know both Merrie and Chuck fro a few years, and they were both a joy to be around. I feel blessed to have know Merrie and she will be greatly missed. She was a great friend a surrogate mother to me!

    Reply
  • Dana Howe says:
    September 17, 2015 at 6:18 pm

    Thank you for such a lovely celebration of your Mom’s life. It reflected the Auntie I knew and loved :). Your Mom really embodied the type of wife described in Proverbs 31. She has left in our hearts shining day-to-day examples of how to be exceptional women, friends, spouses, mothers and grandmothers. What a legacy. I feel so very blessed to have been her niece. Love, the Ongaro “Dana” 🙂

    Reply
  • Mark Betuzzi says:
    September 17, 2015 at 8:21 pm

    The Betuzzi family is very grateful for the outpouring of support during our time of grief. We were truly blessed to have such an amazing mother, friend, guardian and life long supporter to each and every one of her family and friends.
    Thank you,
    Mark Betuzzi

    Reply
  • Audrey Leier says:
    September 25, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    Gail I was so sorry to hear your mom passed away. Lots of good old memories of you and your family. So so hard losing
    a mother. My prayers go out to you and your family

    Reply

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