Betty Irene Clarke

The family of Betty Irene Clarke are sad to announce her passing, at 94 years, on Monday Sept. 23, 2019, the same day she gave birth to her first son, John Jr.

Betty was born in London, England, June 30, 1925 to Alice and William Lovett. She survived the London Blitz to meet a dashing RCAF officer, John Clarke at a dance in Covent Garden. They married in December of 1944 and John brought his young war bride home to start family life in Calgary where they had three more kids after John; Susan (Robert Young), Peter (Joni Clarke) and Denise (Chris Cran). Betty and John shared a deeply loving marriage for 68 years until his death in 2013. Betty was also predeceased by her son John in 2012.

Betts, as she was lovingly referred to by many, had an exquisite sense of style and elegance which she employed daily as a formidable home maker and loving wife and mom. Her creative skills were legendary; a wonderful cook, an exceptional seamstress, knitter, a maker of many sweaters and several wedding dresses. Her abilities with fabric and needle led to her work as a costumer for many theatre and dance productions, amateur and professional. She was a terrific dancer herself, gave fitness classes, sang in choirs and led a tremendously active life, sidelined only very late in her years by immobility. Her thoughtfulness, vitality and sense of fun were of great value to all who knew her.

She is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and three adored nieces in England. We are so happy to think of her dancing with our Dad, free and smiling once again.

We would also like to thank the fantastic staff of loving caregivers at Hillcrest Extendicare for their kindness, warmth and affection.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Betty Irene Clarke, please visit our floral store.