Betty Ann (Zimmerman) Karpan

Betty was born in Flin Flon, MB to George Zimmerman and Evelyn Corns, Thursday, August 24, 1939. Mom and her sister Donna were raised primarily in Flin Flon, MB although they spent a short time in Marathon, ON and Winnipeg, MB.  Mom often talked about the 1950s flood in Winnipeg, and about being a stenographer at the Manitoba Clinic.  She had many fond memories of train rides to Winnipeg Beach with both colleagues and family.

Mom and Dad (John) were married Saturday, July 16, 1960, in Flin Flon. They had four children, Vaughn, Cynthia, Stephanie, and Tim. Mom’s devotion to her family was apparent through her unwavering support and encouragement of them in their individual interests and endeavors. Mom was proud of all her children, in-laws, and grandchildren.  She was a dedicated homemaker, keeper of the peace, and master of changing the subject!

Mom truly enjoyed volunteering in the community.  Among many other things, she was president of the Catholic Women’s League (CWL), taught 4H, helped with bingos and hot dog days, and volunteered at St. Paul’s Personal Care Home.  She was involved with more than one church bizarre or hockey or speed swimming fundraiser.  Later in life Mom served as the President of the Valhalla Co-op for several years. 

Mom was athletic (bowling, curling, aquasizes, bicycle riding), creative (oil painting, photography, quilting, sewing, knitting), and enjoyed socializing (birthday luncheons, canasta, bridge).  She was also very much interested in family and Manitoba history.  She kept MANY photo albums, articles, and memoires of significant events in her family’s lives.  In quiet times, Mom loved reading, doing crosswords, and eating peppermints and black licorice.  She started each day listening to CBC radio.

Although Mom and Dad travelled to a few places, they spent most of their vacations at Clearwater Lake where they took pride in their cottage at mile 17.  They celebrated many events at the cottage including their 25th wedding anniversary.

Mom led a simple, balanced, and modest life and always focused on the positives.  She was genuinely kind to everyone she met.  She remembered everyone’s birthday.  She was grateful for each day and for the smallest things in life.  Mom always felt that she had a “good life.”  She had a great sense of humor and beautiful smile.

Some of the things Mom is well known for include knitted dishcloths, waffles, hamburger soup, bran muffins, and carrot cake.  Sayings that Mom is well known for include, “Yikes!” “I’m so lucky,” “Too many birthdays,” and the best one, “Don’t put that in my obituary!”

Mom passed away peacefully, Saturday, September 24, 2022, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in The Pas at age 83 with family by her side. Mom is survived by son Vaughn (Marjorie); daughter Cynthia; daughter Stephanie (Russ Paddock); son Tim; grandchildren, Nicholas, William, Milana, Max, Blake, and Hannah; sister-in-law, Mary Dubrack; brother-in-law Calvin Johnson; nieces and nephews Raymond Parry (Cara Lee), Donna Parry (Harold Dick), Heather Parry, Bernice Stoltz (Sean Fudge), Raylene Huntley (Brian), Carla Stoltz (Devin Lungal), and Gene Stoltz; and cousins Brian Alderdice (Joan), Joan Alderdice (Tom Cameron), Bill Alderdice, and Dianne McCourt (Ken), Susan Carel (David), Cathy Coles, Bobby Corns (Susann Camus), and Jo-Anne Corns; and dear friend Ron Leveille.  She was predeceased by her husband, John Karpan, father George Zimmerman; Mother Evelyn Zimmerman (Corns); sister Donna Johnson; father-in-law Anton Karpan; stepfather-in-law Mata Dubrack; mother-in-law Matija Dubrack (Bozic); sister-in-law Amanda Parry (Karpan); brother-in-law Ray Parry; and daughter-in-law Candiena Marks.

In keeping with family wishes, cremation has taken place and a service of remembrance to celebrate Betty's life will be held Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11:00 at the Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas. Interment will follow at Lakeside Cemetery.  Reception will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion.

In lieu of flowers, donation to The Pas Health Complex Foundation, Inc., Memorial Fund,  Palliative Care Division, Box 541, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K6 or to Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, box 1320, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1L2, would be appreciated by Betty's Family.