LIEN
With sadness, great love and admiration, mixed with gratitude for her release, we share the loss of our beloved Mother, "Laloo", Grandmother, Great¬-Grandmother, and Sister, Betty Mary Lien. Betty passed away peacefully in her sleep, in her 90th year, on Wednesday, August 15, 2012. She now joins her precious Elmer, who predeceased her by only two months, on June 2nd. Betty was born in Birmingham, England on September 12, 1922 to Frederick and Beatrice Heath, enjoying a happy childhood surrounded by a large family, and attending Erdington schools. She apprenticed in the business world and soon joined the Second World War effort, first as a Red Cross Nurse, and then as a member of the British ATS. It was at a dance that she met her dashing RCAF sweetheart, and they were married on July 24, 1943. Their wartime memories were strong, and remained close to their hearts. Mom preceded Dad to Canada, where she resided with his parents, Carl and Olga Lien, while he served in Burma, until returning home to her in early 1945. Mom and Dad settled in Moose Jaw, raising a family of three, two daughters and a son. Mom embraced her new country, feeling herself a true Canadian, but we always maintained strong British ties and traditions - one of which was watching the Queen's message every year at Christmas. In her later years, Mom told us she yearned to see England once more, but that was not to be. She was a true English lady, a very strong one who earned our respect and admiration through the turbulence of life. Together, she and Dad provided a safe and secure haven for their children, where we always knew we came first. Mom and Dad were also a great support to their grandchildren in their pursuit of higher education, and when wedding time rolled around. “Mom, your memory will forever bloom in our hearts - our own English rose.” Mom was a long-time employee of the Canadian Red Cross, becoming known as "the Red Cross lady" in Moose Jaw. She also contributed many volunteer hours to their cause, working at Blood Donor Clinics, attending conferences and involving herself in many Red Cross causes such as refugee relocation and missing persons searches. She was a 50 year member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Mom enjoyed, through the years, various artistic pursuits, such as ceramics, paper tole, knitting, Bunka and the loving construction of treasured "sock monkeys" for all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, as long as she was able. With Dad's passing, Mom lost her anchor in life, and endured a great struggle before joining him once again. We are comforted by the thought of them "Home" again, together, as it should be. Mom was predeceased by her beloved Elmer; her parents Fred and Bea Heath; her much-loved mother-in-law Olga and father-in-law Carl Lien; precious great-grandson Mason Clewis; special friends Marg and Gord McKay, Gord Shiels, Alec and Joy Young, Ormond Francis, Cecil and Myrtle Sanderson and many others from the old neighbourhood on Wolfe Avenue. She is survived by her daughter Gillian (Martin) Lien-Robinson of Mississauga, ON; grandsons Duncan (Liberty) Robinson and great¬-grandson Cole of Calgary, AB and Fletcher (Joanna) Robinson and great¬-granddaughter Raelynne of Oakville, ON; daughter Debbie (Bob) Thompson of Buffalo Pound Lake, SK; granddaughter Michelle (Steven) Michaluk, great-grandsons Stefan and Carter and great-granddaughter Kylee; granddaughter Amanda (Kevin) Zarubin, great-granddaughters Brooke and Alicia; granddaughter Shannon (Ryan) Osask, great-¬granddaughters Mykayla and Summer, great-grandson Lukas; all of Moose Jaw; son Greg of Buffalo Pound Lake, SK; granddaughter Jade (Justin) Clewis, great-grandson Kale of Moose Jaw; grandson Jordan of Fort McMurray, AB; Jade and Jordan's mother, Patti of Moose Jaw; sister Pam (Steven) Graefer, nieces Janice and Denise and their families of Calgary, AB; numerous cousins in England and friends far and wide. The family wishes to thank the Administration and Staff of Five Hills Health Region, staff at The Bentley, caregivers at Crescent Park Villa, Moose Jaw Union Hospital, Pioneer Lodge and GARU at Providence Place. Once again, there are not sufficient words to thank the compassionate and caring staff at Extendicare, who ministered to Mom with great tenderness to the end. We will never forget your kindness! At Mom's request, there will be a private family Celebration of Life and Graveside Committal Service only. Cremation has taken place. In memory of Betty, those so wishing may make a contribution to the Moose Jaw Branch of the Canadian Red Cross, or a charity of one’s choice. In living memory of Betty, a memorial planting will be made by W. J. Jones & Son Funeral Home. Please sign the memorial register book at website: www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries).
Dayna Smith-Short Funeral Director