WENDELBORG, Bette Darlene (née Statham)

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It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother and friend, Bette Darlene Wendelborg. Bette passed peacefully at Kelowna General Hospital on Friday, November 1, 2024, after a long battle with MAC lung disease.

Bette is survived by her son, Bryn Wendelborg; daughter-in-law, Jocelyn Wendelborg; three step-grandsons, Brennan, Vaughn and Liam; and brother Ken Statham.

Bette was born in Turtleford, Saskatchewan on March 14, 1941. Her family, father Frank Statham, mother Myrtle (née Eaket) and two brothers Ted and Ken moved to a farm in Pleasant Valley before settling in Melfort, Saskatchewan, where Bette spent most of her school years, then graduating from MCCI in 1959.  Bette then attended Teachers College and married Larry Wendelborg, and the two pursued careers in education throughout Saskatchewan and Nunavut. Their son Bryn Tyler Wendelborg was born on November 21, 1962, in La Ronge, Saskatchewan. After 17 years of teaching, Bette left the education system to pursue a new venture in private business.

Bette’s passion for business and love for Waskesiu Lake in Northern Saskatchewan was exemplary. Her new career began with two separate endeavours, the Park Center Grocery Store and the Northland Motel. A few years later they acquired a beautiful family orientated vacation resort, Kapasiwin Bungalows, located on the shores of Waskesiu. After Larry passed, Bette and her son Bryn became business partners, and together they continued this venture another 26 years. Bette put in 56 years of hard work, which filled her heart more than anything. After finally retiring in 2016, she continued to dream for years about being at Kapasiwin and her love for those busy days. She formed a vast network of friends through this endeavour, who became more like family. It was one of the most enriching experiences anyone could ask for.

Bette spent her summers working hard in beautiful Northern Saskatchewan and her love for the Okanagan valley brought her to Kelowna where she settled for the last 22 years. Moving back and forth between provinces and seasons; Bette felt she had the best of two worlds. Her community in Kelowna was heartwarming, and so many watched over her and showed her an undeniable love.

Bette’s passions included flowers, gardening, home décor, fashion, upholstery, cooking and spending as much time as possible with her son and his family. She always presented herself with class and loved entertaining with family and friends.  Her table settings were like no other which filled the room with comfort and love.  She was an avid fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, which began as a season ticket holder during the days of Ron Lancaster and George Reed. Autumn brought the annual World Series, where she relived the days of baseball with her dad when he was so actively involved as a manager of The Melfort Frost 222’s. Winters brought the Canadian Curling Championships, where she shared the action watching with her son when they did their annual reservation confirmations for the cottages in Waskesiu. She had so many close friendships who filled her life with laughter and great memories. She will be missed by so many.

Gratitude goes to all the doctors, nurses, and health care teams on the fourth floor who cared for her during her time at Kelowna General Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring, both in Kelowna and Waskesiu.

Memorial Donations in memory of Bette may be sent to the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon.

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