Obituary of Mary Elizabeth Hannah Cornish

Mary Elizabeth Hannah Cornish, better known as Betty, was born September 22, 1921 in Manville Alberta. She was the eldest daughter of John & Elsie Hodgson. Betty had one sister Edna May Carswell. In 1928 John, Elsie and the two girls left Manville and headed for the Peace River District. Betty attended the Belleview School on the edge of her dad's property. She completed grade 9 in this school, ending her formal schooling. In 1945 Betty married her childhood sweetheart, Ken Cornish. Here Betty tended to the chickens and pigs while working side by side with Ken on the grain farm. Elaine was born first, Jack second, and then along came Delbert, and three years later Carol and then Lorraine. Paul Gardner came into the picture in 1957…Jack and Paul became best buds at school…they were inseparable, thus Betty's 6th child officially became part of the family! In 1968 Ken bought a Truck and Betty then became his co-pilot. Ken also bought Betty a blue Thunderbird car! During this time CB Radios were the thing to have! From then on Betty was to be known as Blue Bird among the trucking scene. When Betty was not working on trucks she would spend time in her garden and baking cinnamon buns, butter tarts and cookies for the grandchildren who dropped by after school. Betty also spent hours knitting sweaters, mitten's and socks. Ken passed away in 1997 leaving Betty alone for the first time in years! Delbert came to the rescue and bought Betty a lap dog, she was named Teal! As time went by it was apparent that Betty would need assistance at home. Betty had wonderful care givers; Judy, Lori, Emily, Jovi, Erlyn, Kaye as well as Gloria, Brenda, Maija, Roberta and Rita. Also, as a special treat for Betty, Debbie would come to her home to do her hair. These caregivers all grew to become another part of Betty's extended family. As Betty's medical needs exceeded her home care facilities she was moved to the Pouce Coupe Care home on February 2nd of this year, where she passed away on May 8, 2009. Betty was predeceased by her Husband- Ken, Mother- Elsie, Father- John, Sister- Edna, Brother In-law-Harry, Sister In-law- Mildred, Brother In-law-Bill, 2 Nieces and 4 Nephews Betty will be remembered for her strong, honest, and hard working personality. The most important and maybe the most lasting lesson that Betty taught her children was about the meaning of FAMILY: as the family grew…a sister in-law was truly a sister and a brother in-law was truly a brother. The word family knew no exclusion. Anyone that wanted to be a part of our family: was family. A memorial service was held on Thursday, May 14, 2009 at 2:00 pm from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Rev. John Klassen officiated. Interment will be held at a later date. Very Respectfully, Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium, Dawson Creek, B.C.