LEASK – Betty (Dorothy, Elizabeth) nee Nielson Passed away peacefully on May 6, 2021 at Sunrise Gardens in Brooks at the age of 86. Betty was born June 7, 1935 in Calgary, Alberta to Charles and Dorothy Nielson. Betty was the middle child of three, sister Maria Horbach of Prince Rupert, B.C and predeceased by her brother Peter Nielson of Calgary. After a long nursing career in Calgary Betty moved to Brooks where she worked at the Brooks General Hospital until her retirement. Betty was very active in the community volunteering for multiple organizations. Her love for Brooks and serving the community was well known and very much appreciated. She was a proud and active member of the Red Hatters Club, FCSS, Brooks Historical Society, Brooks Museum, Newell Recycling and BAPS. Betty was instrumental in getting the dog visitation program up and running for long term care residents and she had a very special place in her heart for helping and caring for the senior citizens of Brooks. Betty was extremely talented when it came to cross stitching, quilting, knitting and sewing, and her beautiful creations were given to friends and family to carry on her wonderful legacy. Betty is survived by her partner Albert Larocque, her son Steve Heatherington and his partner Jane Baker and by daughter Shelly Rulli, multiple grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews that will miss her deeply. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held in Brooks once Alberta Health has determined that is safe to do so. A notice will be posted for those who wish to attend. If friends desire memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s society of Alberta 10430-61 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T6H 2J3 or any of the charities Betty supported. For further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.
