Obituary
SHIPPAM, May Elizabeth “Betty” (nee Newton) January 6, 1926 – September 24, 2022
Betty passed away peacefully at the age of 96 years at the Manor Village Signature Park, Calgary AB.
Betty was born in Neepawa, Manitoba. Following school, she worked for the Manitoba Telephone System as a switchboard operator in Swan River and Roblin. In 1949, she married George Raymond Beckstead and moved to Winnipeg where they had twin boys. Betty went back to work as a receptionist for Manitoba Motor Vehicle Branchup until her retirement in 1988. In December of 1990, Betty married Stanley Foster Shippam and enjoyed 22 years together filled with much love, travelling and golf. After Stan passed, she moved to Calgary, taking up residence at Manor Village. Betty had a warm smile, quick wit and infectious laugh. She loved to talk about her favourite sports: hockey, baseball and curling. If you had the privilege of spending time with Betty, you could feel her warmth and love just by being in her presence.
She was predeceased by her husbands Ray Beckstead (1979) and Stanley Shippam (2012), her parents, Arthur and Ella, brother Robert and sisters Ivadel and Grace. Remaining to forever cherish her memory are her brothers Alf and Russ (Eileen). She will be deeply missed by her sons Desmond (Johanne) and Gary (Pat); grandchildren Carl (Kelly), Denise (Chris) Nicholas (Sarah) and Eric; and great-grandchildren Noah, Finley and Mackenzie. She will be missed by the Shippam family who were a big part of her life for many years. Betty was a compassionate and caring person and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
Betty was a cherished Mom, Gramma and Great-Gramma who spent her time travelling between visiting Desmond in Ottawa and Gary in Calgary and their families. She travelled as often as she could for special visits until her health could no longer allow it.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Manor Village for the exceptional care Betty received. She will be missed by her many friends at the Manor.
Family and friends are invited to a service celebrating her life at White’s Funeral Home, 271 Mountain Ave. in Neepawa on Monday, October 3rd at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at the Riverside Cemetery, 1 Smith Drive, Neepawa. We invite you to attend a reception following the burial at the Neepawa United-Anglican Shared Ministry, 475 Mountain Avenue, Neepawa. In honour of Betty’s full and vibrant life, we are encouraging those who attend to wear bright colours.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Betty May Elizabeth Newton Shippam January 6 1926 September 24 2022 (age 96)..
Death notice for the town of: Neepawa, Province: Manitoba