Linda Katherine (Pohr) Bettenson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Linda Katherine Bettenson (Pohr) on March 31, 2023, at the Fairview Health Complex in Fairview, Alberta, after a short but very courageous battle with Cancer at the age of 71.

Linda was born on August 8, 1951, in Fairview, AB, to Nicholas and Rose Pohr. She grew up on the family farm south of Bluesky with her five sisters and two brothers. She was a hard worker on the farm and never complained when asked to do something. Linda attended Friedenstal School in the early years, then completed her education at St. Thomas More School in Fairview, AB, where she graduated with her high school diploma in 1970.

Linda met the love of her life, Murray Bettenson, over a shuffleboard game at the New Grand Hotel. They married on December 14, 1974, in Burns Lake, B.C. They moved back to Fairview in 1975 after the birth of their first daughter to be closer to family and raise their four children, Laurie, Dale, Lorne and Loretta.

Linda worked many jobs in her lifetime, including a teller at the Bank of Commerce, a teller at the Alberta Treasury Branch, and a Front Desk Clerk at Dunvegan Inn and Suites. She then later opened a private day home to look after children for working parents. She helped raise many children, some of who would still stop in as they became adults to see their “Grandma Linda.” In addition to the day home, she managed the Grandview Apartment Building and cleaned the SHARP Environmental office. Even though she was busy, she always had time for her children and grandchildren. She worked right up until her diagnosis in December 2022.

Linda liked to keep busy doing things she enjoyed; she loved jigsaw puzzles, watching the Food Network and some of her other favourite programs, camping with friends and family, going to dances to listen to live bands, and attending family gatherings and celebrations. She was great at hosting people in her home, making everyone feel welcome, and the coffee was always on. Most of all, she loved spending time with and cherished her grandchildren. She always kept a clean and tidy home and loved collecting recipes and cooking.

Linda is survived by her children, Laurie (Dean Verbicky), Dale, Lorne, Loretta (Michael Kenny), and her grandchildren, Rylan Dettling, Ceara Dettling, Nevin Bettenson, Dylan Verbicky, Jennifer Verbicky and Alexander Kenny. Her siblings: Elizabeth Clair, Ann Hillaby, Margaret Valiquette, Fred (Carol) Pohr, Frank (Ruth) Pohr, Caroline (Barry) Adams and Brenda (Dale) Adams. Her brothers-in-law: Leonard Bettenson, Terry (Rachel) Bettenson, Mickey (Barb) Bettenson and sisters-in-law Bonnie Forsythe and Betty Bettenson and many nieces and nephews and “honorary” grandchildren.

Linda was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Murray Bettenson, in 2017. Her parents Nick and Rose Pohr, father-in-law Verden Bettenson, mother-in-law Iris Bettenson; brothers-in-law:
Jack Clair, Gary Hillaby, Marcel Valiquette, Adrian Bettenson, and Bill Forsythe; sister-in-law Janet Bettenson; niece and goddaughter Coralie Clair; nephews Kelly Pohr, Len (Charlie) Bettenson, and David Hillaby.

Linda had the biggest heart and was loved by many. She was funny and witty, always cracking jokes and making people smile. She will be greatly missed, and although she was taken from us too soon, we know she is well and happy in God’s arms and reunited with Dad.

There will be no funeral at Linda’s request, but a Celebration of Life will be planned for later in the Summer.

The family would like to express their thanks to the Nurses and staff at the Fairview Health Complex for the excellent care given to Mom during her illness.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Linda Katherine (Pohr) Bettenson, please visit our floral store.