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Elizabeth F. (Betty) Cousens (nee Bartlett)

Elizabeth F. (Betty) Cousens (nee Bartlett)

Passed in: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada
Passed on: December 14th, 2016

On the 14th day of December a very gracious, elegant and charming lady's life came to an end in Brandon, MB, after a brief illness, and she will now join her beloved husband, Charlie, whom she lost to Alzheimer's in 2005, and first-born, Dr. Desmond (Des) Cousens just five years ago. Born and raised in St. John's almost 101 years ago, in 1943 Betty married the love of her life, her former schoolmate and neighbour, Charlie Cousens, and while she gave up her secretarial career a year later to raise a family, she continued her volunteer activities in the community. Betty and Charlie's younger son Dean encouraged them to move to Brandon in 2001 to join him, when they could no longer properly care for themselves. Dean provided outstanding care, love, and support to both parents, and was always by their side up to the end. He always felt the care he provided was nothing more than payback time; as a small token of appreciation, and to say "thank you," for having been raised by what he and brother Des always felt were the two best parents in the world. Betty was predeceased by her parents and four brothers and sisters. Leaving to mourn her passing are her younger son, Dean and partner, Colleen Harper; granddaughter, Jennifer Cousens (Gord Rolfe) of Airdrie, AB; and Jennifer's mother, also a "Betty Cousens" of Winnipeg, and partner, Blaine Bartley; grandson, Matthew Cousens (Katie) of Nova Scotia; and daughter-in-law, Betty Wells of Nova Scotia. Betty is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins; her lifelong friend, Trudy Green in St. John's; and Lucille Upper, a wonderful friend from their days at Victoria Landing, Brandon. Betty survived a partially successful bypass heart surgery at age 86, as well as another major heart surgery just three years ago at age 98 to install a pacemaker, and thus lived her last 15 years with a severely damaged heart. In addition to her hearing loss, Betty was also burdened by Macular Degeneration; an eye condition which robs the individual of their central vision, and she was classed as legally blind. Unable to see people's faces, or objects directly in front of her, such as her daily meals, she chose to not use a white cane, but navigated successfully using just her peripheral vision. In spite of not being able to see the faces of approaching people, Betty always had a smile and friendly greeting for all, even though she had no idea whom she was greeting, until she recognized their voice, or they identified themselves. That very poor vision was further significantly impaired and clouded by cataracts, and at age 98, Betty underwent two more surgeries within six months for removal of these cataracts, to try to give her even just a little more vision. Most casual acquaintances were not aware that Betty was blind, nor the health issues which would severally limit and frustrate the average individual. And with her unblemished complexion, and not one wrinkle, and with her usual energy and enthusiasm, most people saw her as being more like 80 years of age, and not 100. She was always immaculate in her dress, just as she was in her personal appearance. This amazing woman never appeared with even one hair out of place; even in her final days and hours. She shied away from gossip, and maintained her dignity and grace by always finding something positive to say about any individual or situation. She stood up for the underdog, and it bothered her when she saw those around her being cruel, disrespectful, or rude to others. Nobody ever heard Betty Cousens speak unkindly of another human. Unselfish to a fault, Betty exemplified class, dignity, and graciousness; she was always the consummate lady. She always put others ahead of herself, and never wanted to make any demands or inconvenience others. After moving from her seniors' residence to Dinsdale Personal Care Home in 2015, she was reluctant to have family photos on her nightstand or window ledge, as "it would just make it more difficult for the cleaning staff to do their job efficiently." Betty always put others ahead of herself. Diminutive in size and stature, this special woman, in spite of several major and critical surgeries to keep it beating, had a heart as big as today and tomorrow. And as she walked through those hallowed gates, God welcomed her to her new life, and Heaven suddenly became a better and brighter place. May you rest in Peace, Mom. You will be forever remembered with love and affection by all who knew you. A Private Family Celebration of Betty's life has already taken place. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family through Memories Chapel at www.memorieschapel.com, or at 330 - 18th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 7P3. If so desired, and to thank the entire staff and management at Dinsdale Personal Care Home for the absolutely outstanding love and care they all provided to Betty, Memorial Donations may be made to that organization at 510 - 6th Street, Brandon, MB R7A 3E9.

 

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