Obituary
Elizabeth Jean Miller (nee Downey and known as Betty) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at the Brandon Hospital.
Born September 8, 1946 Betty was the third child of Wallace & Bessie Downey and is survived by her siblings, Ray Downey (Myrna), Jim Downey (Linda), and Marina Downey (Herb Dell). Also left to continue her legacy is her husband, Stuart Miller, two daughters, Marla and Kendall and her grandsons, Keaton and Griffin (Kendall) and Seth (Marla), and a large group of beloved extended cousins and their families.
Betty was born with a heart condition and at age five she developed rheumatic fever which further complicated matters. Bedridden for a year she actually had to re-learn how to walk, and at the tender age of 14 she had two very high-risk open-heart operations. She lived to far surpass a grim young life expectancy and have children, two things that she was told she wouldn’t do. At 50 years old she again battled the odds to win and had a third open heart surgery to replace a heart valve, with a pig valve. This valve was to last 12-15 years, and it got her to almost 75 years old when it finally failed.
Betty remembers a great childhood with lots of teasing from her brothers, and great times playing with her sister and cousins. Lots of sleepovers and memories of riding her beloved horse Duke, always made her smile.
Betty knew Stuart in school and interest seemed to increase when they performed in the same Young People’s drama – ‘Still Stands the House’. They started dating and married in 1968, had Marla in1969 and Kendall came along in 1976.
Betty was always determined and hard working. Her work career started at the Royal Bank in Waskada, to the office at Melita Auctions, then back to Waskada to work in the Municipal office and finally she worked alongside Stuart, at Miller Auctions.
She was community minded, and a social gal and loved spending time with her coffee girls in both Waskada and Melita. She was quick to laugh and always enjoyed a good story. She loved clothes and jewellery and always looked ‘like she stepped out of a hat box’ as her Mother would say. We always remember our Mom’s scent – her perfume lingered on her clothes and on us long after she left a room, and it was always so comforting…
Betty wanted her Obituary to be ‘short and sweet’, however she wanted to make sure that her sister and brothers knew how good they were to her through the years, and of course thank her dear Stuart who always kept good care of her – especially in these last few months.
A special thanks to the many professionals who helped her through the years with a special thanks to Dr. Plews in Brandon. Also a huge hug to her cousin Evelyn for her caring visits and devotion.
A celebration of Betty’s life was held at the Fellowship Community Church, Waskada, MB. on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Glen Whetter officiating.
Donations may be given to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1379 Kenaston Blvd. Winnipeg, MB, R3P 2T5.
Thanks to all who have left messages, emails and texts of prayers and support. It means a lot to our family. We will carry on her amazing legacy with great pride.
To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Betty (Downey) Miller, please visit our Tree Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Betty Downey Miller September 8 1946 July 27 2022 (age 75)..
Death notice for the town of: MELITA, Province: Manitoba