It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of the Matriarch of our family, our beautiful mother, grandmother, and great grandmother(Oma), Elisabeth(Betty) McHale at the age of 97 on Jan 8th 2025 with her family by her side.
Betty was born April 17th 1927 to mother Pieternella and father Jozef Van Steenkiste in Holland. She was the last surviving member of her family of 8 siblings.
She was a war bride who married a Canadian solider Jim McHale. She immigrated to Canada and settled in Montreal with her husband and two children Nellie and Michael. It was here she gave birth to 2 more daughters Rosie and Patricia. They later moved to Port Arthur to be closer to her sister Corry and gave birth to Debbie and Jimmy. Betty was very proud of her Dutch heritage and would return 22 times to Holland to visit with her family.
Betty was an extremely hard-working, independent women who not only ran a household of 6 children but also worked outside of the home. To find work she took out an ad in the local paper to clean houses. This resulted in full time work and continued for years until she took a job working alongside her husband at St Bernard's school as a custodial helper where she was well respected.
Family was everything to her. Spending time with her loved ones playing cards, dancing the polka, listening to music, playing bingo, camping and fishing were very special to her. She absolutely loved the Casino where she would always share her winnings. Betty was a fabulous cook who made anything taste delicious! She was a talented knitter, and crocheter who shared her creations with everyone. These were just a few of her favorite past times.
She enjoyed life to the fullest and lit up a room with her smile. Betty was extremely grateful for everything and very generous. She had a great sense of humor, and a positive attitude. No matter what life dealt her she “MADE THE BEST OF IT”! This was a lesson she taught us all to live by.
Betty is predeceased by her parents and siblings, husband Jim, son Michael, daughter Debbie, her son- in- law Ted Holseth and grandson Billy Horde.
She is survived by her children Nellie (Don) DeDura, Rose (Bill) Horde, Patricia Holseth, Jim (Rose) McHale, and Gaetan Larouche by grandchildren, Michael(Maryanne) , Donny (Jodi), Chris(Rebecca), Tammy(Tom), Debbie(Dave), Suzanne(Rick), Christine(Ray), Jessica(Joe), Cheryl, Scott, Ryan and Isabel Pacheco(Horde) and many beloved great grandchildren.
The family would like to express our sincere appreciation to Shelly and the staff at Hogarth (Spruce Grove) for their exceptional care. Mom always said everyone there should get double pay for the work they do.
Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be expressed at www.sargentandson.com.
Lovingly remembered and forever in our hearts.
We are so blessed to have had you!
