Betty Jean (nee Dantzer) 1956-2013 passed away peacefully in her home with her husband Arnie and her sister Pat by her side after being diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer more than five years ago.
She was predeceased by her mother Mary Dantzer (December 2012), her father Vince Dantzer (2001) and her sister Kim Dantzer Higdon (1992). Betty Jean is survived by her loving husband of 30 years Arnie, and her two sons Alex Goodwin (Brittany) and Luke Goodwin along with her granddaughter Josie.
She will be dearly missed by her brothers and sisters; Alex Dantzer, Mark Dantzer (Jan), Mary-Jo O’Keefe (David), Pat Ketterling (Jim), Ruth Dantzer, Cathy Krauss (Doug) and Tamara Reiley (Mike).
Betty Jean completed high school in Vernon (1974), and went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Science (Physical Education) from the University of Saskatchewan, in 1978. As a life long athlete, a marathoner, a disciplined coach and instructor, Betty Jean modelled sport and access to recreation. Her passion for an active lifestyle was unparalleled and she passed this on to all who had the good fortune to meet her.
She met her husband Arnie while working in Fort Smith, and followed him back to Nova Scotia for the first time in 1979. They were married in Vernon, and then spent the next number of years in British Columbia’s northern communities growing together, nurturing their family and developing their lifelong friendships. Home was their common passion, and much sacrifice was made to make theirs special. In 1994, Betty Jean and the family moved back to the Okanagan where Betty Jean continued her active career in recreation. It was here in the Okanagan where Betty Jean learned to play bridge and garden.
Betty Jean loved her children unconditionally. She was very proud of the adults they became. Her loyalty and devotion to her sons and husband were her lifeblood. This was only surpassed by her total faith and trust in God.
In 2008, Betty Jean followed Arnie back to Yarmouth for the last time. In these last years Betty Jean strengthened her duplicate bridge skills and left a garden that will be ever blooming. She was supported by the strongest network of family and friends.
Betty Jean will be remembered as a dedicated wife, a devoted mother, a dependable, practical friend and more than all of that she will be remembered for the most amazing smile that brought laughter and love to all who knew her.
The funeral Mass for Betty-Jean was held in Vernon, BC at St. James Parish on Jan.26 with internment to follow in Vernon at a later date.