Betty Anne Purcell

“She did it her Way”

Betty Anne Purcell passed away peacefully at home on Friday, June 11, 2021, at the age of 87 with her daughters Carol and Donna by her side.

Betty was born on April 3, 1934 to Clyde and Anne Miller (predeceased) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She lived in Starbuck Manitoba until the age of 8, then in 1942 the family moved to Gimli Manitoba. In her younger years Betty was active with sports, drawings, dance and she had a love for animals.

At an early age Betty raised 5 children and spent a lot of time in front of her sewing machine. She was a tough old bird and a hard-working woman, she started working for the Air Force then a wood preserving company and finally homecare, she was rarely without a job or two.

Fifty-two years after meeting for the first time, she reunited with her childhood sweetheart, Guy Purcell (predeceased in August 2020) and spent a wonderful eighteen years together traveling and living life to the fullest.

Betty had a flare for colour and fashion, anyone who knew her, knew she had the perfect accessory to match each outfit she wore.

Betty will be sadly missed by her sisters Shirley (Len) Ogilvie, Verda (Herman) Isfjord and Dolores Skolny, brother Fred Miller (Vicki), children Diane (Gord) Kupczyk, Carol (Peter) Bulcock, Bill (Deb) Bishop, Donna Bishop and KC (Donna) Bishop, as well as 20 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, her cat Goldie and countless friends. She was predeceased by her siblings Alan, Wayne, Irene, Clifford, Connie and stepson Edward.

The family would like to thank Betty’s wonderful caregivers Monica, Rita, Kelly and Lisa (Homecare) Paramed Nurses Georgette and Treena for their compassion and cheerfulness with her.

A special thank you to Betty’s special friends and neighbours, Lisa Peake and family, Sandra Miecznikowski and family, Faith and Jim Bowles, Michelle and Jeff Ball.

As for Dr. Bezanson thank you does not seem to cover how we feel for the wonderful compassion and care you provided for Betty. We were so lucky to have you as her doctor.

Cremation has taken place with funeral arrangements entrusted to Harbourview Funeral Centre in Thunder Bay, 807-346-9880.

Interment for Guy and Betty Purcell will be held at Riverside Cemetery, 800 Oliver Road, on Wednesday, June 16, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. presided by Rev. Robert Smith. Should friends so desire, donations may be made in Guy and Betty Purcell’s name to the Humane Society of Thunder Bay.