Betty Schmidt
1932 – 2022
Betty Kirsten Christiansen was born near Talbot, Alta., on Feb. 9, 1932, the third child of 10. Her parents came from Denmark in 1928, eventually settling in the Coronation area.
Betty went to school until Grade 10, earning the Governor General’s award in Grade 9. She later earned her GED High School Diploma in 1990, which she was very proud of.
Betty married Henry George Schmidt in 1949. They farmed and raised their family east of Talbot. The couple had nine children: Glen “Bill”, John, Allan “Shorty”, Marilyn, Gordon “Mike”, Thomas, Linda “Diane”, Sherry and Timothy.
With such a large family, Betty learned how to stretch the family’s resources through creative cooking, canning, sewing, recycling, knitting and quilting. Many of these skills have been passed down through the generations.
Betty continued living at home, quilting and puttering with purpose until the very end. She passed away at Coronation Hospital Dec. 1, 2022 at 90 years of age.
Her memory will be cherished by her children, Bill (Marina) Schmidt, John Schmidt, Allan “Shorty” (Maxine) Schmidt, Michael Schmidt, Diane Schmidt and Sherry (Roger) Golby; 29 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.
Also remembered by sisters, Donna (Verne) Holte, Shirley (Larry) Colp and Carol Wandler; brothers-in-law, John McNall and Stanley “Pete” (Alaline) Schmidt.
Betty will also be dearly remembered by many extended family and friends, especially her dear friend, Marcella Schwenk.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, Hilmar and Elisabeth Christiansen; daughter, Marilyn Suntjens; sons, Tim Schmidt and Tom Schmidt; daughter-in-law, Jackie Schmidt; and granddaughter, Suzanne Washington.
Also predeceased by sisters, Esther (Roy) Wilson, Doris (Bruce) Gilbertson, Edna (Paul) Sager and Linda McNall; brothers, Kenneth Christiansen and Gordon Christiansen; brother-in-law, Adrian Wandler; as well as all of Henry’s sisters and their husbands and some nieces and nephews.
A funeral service took place on Thurs. Dec. 15, 2022 at Talbot Hall where a display of many photos, quilts, and unique treasures was shown and special memories were shared by a few grandchildren.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to all friends and neighbours for your love, condolences, support and prayers during this difficult time. Thanks also to Chery and her team at Coronation Funeral Home for their care and assistance.
Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.Arrangements in care of Coronation Funeral Home, Coronation, Alta. Phone: 403.578.2928.
