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(Elizabeth)

Jan. 15, 1932 - Sept. 9, 2010

It is with sadness, but also celebration, that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mom and oma to her eternal home on September 9, 2010. She bravely endured a long struggle with cancer but she is now at peace.

Betty was born on January 15, 1932 to Abram and Katie Neufeld in Hanover, Manitoba. She grew up, with her seven siblings on a farm in Kleefeld, Manitoba. As a young woman her family moved to Chilliwack, BC and settled on a farm in Greendale. Soon thereafter, Betty moved to Vancouver on her own to find employment. Several years later, on June 9, 1956, she married Walter Harder. Together they raised their three children, Shirley, Mike and Doug in Sardis and then Greendale.

Betty will be lovingly remembered by all who know her as a quiet, reserved person with a solid faith in God and always put the interests and well being of others ahead of her own. The tentacles of Betty’s caring and generous nature have reached deep into the community and touched many lives. Her unwavering love and commitment to her family, her husband and to God is a shining example for others to admire and follow. Betty was a hard worker, taking charge of the raspberry farm during picking season, canning and processing other crops, raising her family and serving God through many avenues in her church throughout her life. She was a very talented seamstress and created many beautiful wedding gowns and other garments from scratch for people throughout the community. Those wonderfully hand-knit baby clothes that she so carefully crafted and donated to MCC, the Chilliwack Hospital Auxiliary and others, were always popular and in big demand. Whether it was through her fabulous cooking and baking skills or just a listening ear and kind word, Betty’s absence will leave a space that will be impossible to fill. She will be dearly missed by everyone who had the honour and privilege of knowing her.

Betty is predeceased by her parents Abram and Katie Neufeld and her brothers John and Henry.

She is survived by her loving husband, Walter, of 54 years; her three children, Shirley (Owen) Garrett, Mike, Doug (Jennifer); grandchildren, Michelle, Natasha, Brett, Sage, Jillian and Jacob; great-grandchildren Kiera, Keenan and Cole; her siblings, Abe (Sharon), Mary (Henry) Hooge, Anne (Ross) Steed, Peter, Martha and many loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to sincerely thank the caring compassionate staff at the Abbotsford Cancer Centre, Chilliwack General Hospital, Stevenson Medical Clinic, Cascade Hospice, Volunteer Cancer Drivers Program, BC Ambulance Paramedics and the countless friends and relatives who showed their love and support in various ways during Betty’s illness and final days. Your kindness will always be remembered.

Funeral service on Saturday, September 18, 2010 at 11:00 am at Greendale Mennonite Brethren Church, 6550 Sumas Prairie Road. Viewing: 8:30-9:30 am at the church. Graveside service: 10:00 am at Greendale Cemetery (Watson Road).



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