It is with deepest sadness, we the children: Kelly, Mel, Maureen, and Patrick, announce the pass of our loving Mother Elizabeth “Betty” Irene Sparrow on July 9, 2015 at the young age of 90.

Mom was born June 12, 1925 at the Grace hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She met and married her love Gerald “Gerry” Melville Sparrow on December 5, 1946. Together they loved and raised their five children, including their estranged daughter Colleen Rook (of Colleen’s choosing). She loved each and every one of us regardless.

In the beginning years of their marriage, Mom and Dad lived in Manitoba. They started off in Flin Flon, working as a manager at the Corona Hotel. Dad’s experience in the hotel industry allowed them to together explore communities including the Dauphin, Portage La Prairie and in Altona, Manitoba.

Together they chose to venture north, beginning in Regina, Edmonton, Fort Smith, Hay River, and then Pine Point.

This was the pinnacle move for both. It was here that their last child Patrick was born. With love and determination, Mom set the precedence to have integration for Patrick in the school system. With this knowledge and commitment to Patrick, Mom in later years was able to share her wisdom and experiences as a volunteer teacher’s aide at Hillside Elementary School in Grande Prairie where they had eventually moved after the closure of the mine in Pine Point, Northwest Territories.

Mom’s handy work with the sewing machine gave her great pleasure, many outfits were made for Barbie’s and dolls, and quilts made with love. Mom donated many, many quilts to babies, infants, and children at the QEII hospital in Grande Prairie.

Mom continued her lifelong commitment to Patrick, overseeing his education and eventual graduation at the Crystal Park School in Grande Prairie, a huge milestone for both, she was very proud of all his accomplishments.

After Dad’s passing in 1993, Mom continued to support and encourage Patrick to be the most he could be, and continued to be devoted to him on his life’s journey even after moving into the Heritage Lodge at the age of 89.

Her undying love and devotion to Patrick was as strong as the day he was born, until the day her last breath was taken.

She loved each and every one of us and showed it in so many ways, with her wonderful sense of humor, wisdom, and positive outlook to life.

Mom was a very loving and humble person, always seeing the best in everyone, but never realizing herself how others admired her.

She is survived by: Daughter, Kelly (Jim) Rawlek; Son, Mel (Carol) Sparrow; Daughter, Maureen (Rob) Ward; Son, Patrick Sparrow.

She is also survived by her grandchildren: Tracey (George) Gergulich, Cherri (Dave) Parsons, George (Joni) Rawlek, Miranda and Mike Sparrow, Annie (Colin) Jackson, Christina (Brodie) Jackson/Bloxham, Tyler Ward; great-grandchildren: Brett Gergulich, Jesika and Emma Parsons, Everest Sparrow, Brooklyn and Brody Ott, Lennon Bloxham, James Brausen Ward.

Betty was predeceased by her husband: Gerald Melville Sparrow and her brothers: Jim and Alice Callin.

We, the family of Betty would like to thank the Heritage Lodge staff and homecare for your support in making Mom’s transition at the lodge a comforting one.

A huge thank you to staff from Signature Support Services and DAP for all you have done to help Mom transition Patrick on his new life’s journey, your kindness and thoughtfulness made this life changing experience so much easier for her, and you are all a true blessing.

Our sincere gratitude to Dr. Brad Martin (Gail) for the years of care given to Mom. Thank you to all the nurses in the QEII palliative care, a special thank you to nurse Tara for your gentle spirit and kind heart.

As Mom Requested, there will be no funeral. A private celebration of life will be planned for family at a later date.

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in her name to Signature Support Services Grand Prairie (8702 113 St, Grande Prairie, AB T8V 6K5)