Tribute

Betty passed away peacefully at the age of 94 on Friday, June 11, 2021 while residing at Cheam Village/Agassiz Seniors Community in Agassiz, B.C. She is survived by her brother Phil Obermeyer of Formosa, Ontario and her 3 daughters: Charlotte (Sven Aaberg), Kathy (Ken Person), Suzy Ware (Lorne Stowell), granddaughters Jessica and Stephanie, and two great-grandchildren, Zarath and Eliza.

Betty was born in Carrick, Bruce County in Ontario and shared happy memories of her childhood, living in Formosa, Ontario with her 8 brothers and 2 sisters. She was particularly fond of time spent at the Palace Gardens with the Formosa Flowing Well.

Betty met the love of her life “Steve” Otto Zielke at a dance in Kitchener, Ontario. She and Steve were married on May 4, 1951 and moved west to Edmonton, Alberta where they had their family of 3 girls. Betty had worked at the Palace of Sweets shop for a period of time, and at Eatons Department Store, but soon became a full time mother and housekeeper. Betty and Steve moved to an acreage southeast of Edmonton, where they established a home and planted a large garden yearly.

When the winters became too difficult for Betty, they moved further west in 1967 to Chilliwack, B.C. With the warmer climate, Betty enjoyed planting and caring for her flowers; she worked beside Steve in market gardening, and managing rentals of two duplexes. Besides her love of flowers she also enjoyed playing her piano. She would often play with Steve accompanying her on his harmonica. Betty and Steve loved old time music and dressed up to go out dancing whenever they could.

Following Steve’s dream, they decided to build a log home near Spences Bridge, and in their retirement years spent a lot of time there enjoying the sunny, dry climate, watching the river flow by, and the visits of many wildlife forest creatures. Betty and Steve shared 61 years of marriage together.

Betty and her siblings shared a unique closeness, keeping in touch over the years by phone, letters and cards.  Betty treasured every one and kept them all.

When Steve passed away, Betty moved to Cheam Village/Agassiz Seniors Community where she enjoyed company, friendship and laughter with the other residents. Betty made it through the 2020- 21 Covid pandemic, but missed the close contact of her family and friends. The caring staff at Cheam Village/Agassiz Seniors became her replacement family when outside visitors were not allowed, and treated her with kindness and compassion. People often commented on Betty’s quick smile, kind spirit, and sense of humour.

The family wish to thank all of the staff and residents at Cheam Village/Agassiz Seniors who made Betty’s final years special.

The immediate family will be holding a private graveside service. Know that we appreciate your thoughts of condolence.

“Perhaps they are not stars in the sky,

but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy”