Betty Nolen

Betty passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of July 8th at Tudor Manor.  She was born in Melita Manitoba to Herb and Grace Schooley, the middle of 9 children. When Betty was 3, the family moved to Bowsman, MB where she attended school and worked odd jobs ironing and at Ruddock's Drugstore. At 17 she left home heading to Brandon, working in a nursing home, then on to Ontario to work and eventually to Halifax, NS. in 1949 she married Cliff Nolen whom she had met while he was on leave and visiting his parents in Bowsman. Cliff was in the Navy and they were transferred twice to Ottawa and then back to Halifax. Their children Bob, Carol and Linda were born in Halifax. After 20 years of naval service, Cliff retired and the family moved to Bowsman leaving behind many lifelong friends, but taking with them treasured friendships and memories. Betty was a homemaker for many years and eventually went to work for Steven's and Cook Insurance in Bowsman. She loved her job and dealing with the public, re-establishing old friendships and making many new ones. She was extremely community minded, being a part of the Legion Auxiliary for 50 years, serving on the Cemetery Board for many years, TOPS, and for any event that required assistance. She was a nurturer and helped so many, whether it was her parents, her mother-in-law, her neighbors, friends or her children and grandchildren. She gave freely of her time. She loved gardening and spent many hours first in her garden then canning, freezing and cooking the bounty of her labor. She was always prepared for the family coming home or friends popping in to serve up the favourite of everyone who graced her kitchen. Betty and Cliff traveled to Yuma several winters and enjoyed the family there and the friends they made. Betty also traveled with her daughter to Hawaii, Mexico, Cuba, an Alaskan Cruise, Nova Scotia and many trips to Whitefish, Montana and Radium, BC. After Cliff's passing, Betty packed up and moved to Okotoks, AB to be near her son Bob and family in Calgary and daughter Linda and family in Okotoks. She made a new life for herself amassing numerous new friends, volunteering at the Urgent Care, Flu Clinics, Okotoks Seniors Club, Sandstone Lodge, driving friends to events, going to Newcomers and the Alumni. She was so active that she was recognized by the Okotoks Lions Club as the Citizen of the Year in 2013. She was delighted to be able to attend all of the events of her ever-growing family. In 2019 Betty moved to Sandstone Lodge and, requiring additional help, moved to Tudor Manor May 9 of this year. Family was so important to Betty and she is survived by her daughter Linda (Doug); grandchildren Trent (Melissa), Megan (Greg), Lindsay (Jason), Logan (Carly), extended family Geoff (Sandra), Trevor (Mimi), Kyla (Jeff). She is also survived by her many precious great grandchildren. She was Grandma Betty to so many! She is survived by sisters Joyce and Shirley, sister-in-law Daisy, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.  She was predeceased by daughter Carol, son-in-law Dwight and granddaughter Samantha, her husband, son Bob, her parents, siblings Frank, Jean, Clifton, Fred, Harold and Bob.