We Remember
KNOEDLER, Betty Lou
March 2, 1932 — February 27, 2015
Betty was born during the great depression to Thomas and Azalea (Babe) Sales (nee Trombley) in Maillardville, BC.
Betty’s father passed away when she was seven, leaving her mother with two small children to raise during a very difficult time in world history. Betty attended Vancouver Technical School and was a gifted Opera Singer who was heard on Radio, Churches and in person by many.
Betty chose family first, leaving her young opera career behind. Betty began her working career as a window dresser and cashier at Woolworths in West Vancouver, and then worked at the Orpheum Theatre as a Box Office Girl. It was around this point in her life when she met Isy Walters, who would be her husband for 23 years. She worked with him part-time at his nightclub and became a full time mother and housewife… this is where she shone!
Betty was an amazing cook, gardener and an avid re-decorator… she made everyone feel special and created a loving home environment for her family and friends.
She lost Isy on March 6, 1976 forcing her to finish raising her youngest daughters while sometimes working two jobs to provide for her family.
In the late 1980’s Betty began working at the Green Acres Golf Course as the catering manager. It was here that she caught the eye of, and was courted by, Heinz Knoedler. Heinz and Betty were married on April 11, 1991, both of their families were in attendance for the very happy union.
Heinz and Betty enjoyed travelling together and went to many beautiful places, Hawaii, Fiji, Costa Rica, Florida, Europe and lots of camping via motorhome all over Canada and the USA. They were an active couple that loved to fish, golf and spend time with their families.
Heinz was taken early, Betty was heartbroken and alone again after only ten years together. Betty spent the last seventeen years of her life traveling with family and friends, and doting on her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Betty had an amazing and strong relationship with each of her children; she had time for each as individuals and recognized their strengths, supported them through their weaknesses and created an unbreakable bond of love with each of them and their children.
Betty’s connection with the church and her love of music came full circle when she joined the choir at the Immaculate Conception Church in Kelowna.
Betty heard the plight of young mothers in Mexico through a fellow church goer and chose to help keep the babies warm and safe by knitting thousands of squares that were then transformed into blankets and sent to Mexico for the mothers to swaddle their newborns in.
In 2005 Betty was diagnosed with Mesothelioma, a type of lung cancer. At that time, she was told she had a 5% chance of survival. She fought hard and all the specialists called it a miracle as she beat that cancer. The doctors even flew her to Vancouver for testing to see if they could ascertain what assisted her cure. Mom would tell you every time that it was the “Power of Prayer”.
She had almost 9 years of living cancer free, during this time she often wondered why she had been spared when so many more were taken. Betty felt a calling to give back, she had large stained glass windows of St. Peregrine (the Patron St. of Cancer Patients) and The Sacred Heart of Jesus created for and installed at St. Charles Garnier Parish, which she dedicated to her husband Heinz.
Betty’s calling had her and her long-time friend Alice McCrea create a prayer group called St. Peregrine, Patron St. of Cancer Patients that prays for individuals with cancer and those in need of support. This prayer group has supported people locally as well as around the world, often with more than a 100 people needing prayer daily. Betty was also member of Catholic Woman’s League for 10 years and was a Eucharistic Minister with the Legion of Mary, visiting care homes and shut-ins to bring them communion and prayer.
Betty had almost nine years before being diagnosed with a new cancer (small cell). During this time she was able to watch all of her grandchildren grow into young adults and received the blessing of three great grandchildren. She loved and fussed over every grandchild and was incredibly excited, pleased and proud to be a great grandmother (GG).
With the diagnosis of the new cancer she was given 3 months to live. She fought long and hard, living for six months beyond her diagnosis. She continued to live in her own home with her much loved dog, Buddy. Betty was able to do this with the loving support of her family, her friend Alice and her faith in G-d.
Betty entered the hospital on the 20th of February with new complications from the cancer. Betty Knoedler lost her battle and left us on Friday, February 27th, 2015 at 3pm. She went as peacefully as possible surrounded by her children, grandchildren and dear friend Alice.
For all that Betty went through in her life she has been a shining example of strength, tenacity, caring and unconditional love. Her Spirit guides us still.
Betty leaves behind a family crippled by her loss and strongly united in their love for her and each other.
We will miss her endlessly, love her eternally and be grateful for her always.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Della, her grandchildren Tara and Casey and great grandchildren Ramona, Adam, and Samara; Her daughter Debra, her grandchildren Kyle and Jared; Her daughter, Ronda (Ken) and her grandchildren Eric and Kristina; Her son Joe (Rebecca), her grandchildren Michael, Matthew, Kristin and Mary. Her sister Shirley Peters (Herm) and brother Ron Sales (Carol), many nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and her beloved dog Buddy.
Prayer Service at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Rd., Kelowna at 6pm Friday, March 6, 2015, viewing at 5pm. Funeral Service will be held at St. Charles Garnier Parish 3645 Benvoulin Rd., at 2pm, Saturday, March 7, 2015.
In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to your local food bank. If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
Prayer Service
6 pm Friday, March 6, 2015, viewing at 5 pm.
Service
2 pm, Saturday, March 7, 2015
Location
St Charles Garnier Parish
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Service Information
Service Details
The prayer service for KNOEDLER, Betty Lou is scheduled for 6 pm Friday, March 6, 2015, viewing at 5 pm. at located at 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC.
The service for KNOEDLER, Betty Lou is scheduled for 2 pm, Saturday, March 7, 2015. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
The world was a brighter, happier place with Betty. May her beautiful children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren continue with Betty’s gift of love of life and laughter. She will be with you always. It was a joy for me to meet and get to know her. God Bless you all.
We are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered.
Our hearts go you to you during this difficult time. May our prayers serve as a comfort to you and your loved one.
Steven, Barry and Diane Crawford
Thinking of you all as you celebrate Aunty Betty’s wonderful life. Truly wonderful woman, Mother, Grandma, Aunt and Friend! xoxox
Betty was a wounderful person she and I became close friends while she lived in Hawthorn Park, I will miss the phone calls asking me if I could come over and look after Buddy for her. I will miss you Betty.
Betty always had a sunny smile and was a gracious person to be around with. We appreciated her loving dedication to our brother-in-law, Heinz, especially during his illness.
May God’s “healing grace” be with all her family and friends.