BETTY VIOLA BELLEGARDE (née: Stone)

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Betty Viola Bellegarde announces the passing of their beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt on Thursday, April 24th, 2025.

She was predeceased by David, her loving husband of 56 years, in 2020; parents, William and Viola Stone; brothers: Philip, Kenneth (Doreen), and Robert (Pauline); mother-in-law, Josephine; and her husband, Paddy McDougall.  Betty is survived by her daughter, Nancy (Cam Ewart); son, Peter (Crystal) and their children Mackenzie (Levi) and David (Katelyn); great-grandson, Jacob; sister-in-law, Elaine Kerney; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  

Betty was born on October 25th, 1937, in the small mining town of Perron, Quebec.  Later, the family moved a few miles away to Pascallis, Quebec, which was subsequently destroyed by a forest fire when she was 6 years old.  The Red Cross assisted in evacuating the town and relocated the family to Val-d’Or, Quebec.  It was there that she met Dave, who at that time was in the Royal Canadian Air Force, and they married in 1964.  While stationed at St. Hubert, Quebec they had their 2 children, Nancy and Peter.  After that they were stationed in Ottawa and North Bay, ON and in 1975, Dave was transferred to the Base in Moose Jaw, SK.  

Betty worked for the Saskatchewan Wildlife Federation for 8 years then started working for the Department of Tourism and Renewable Resources in 1982, a job she loved before finally retiring in 2000.  Betty was a 50-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion.  She was also a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, the Prairie Hearts Quilting Guild, The Qurazy Quilters, and the Quilting Angels at Quilter’s Haven.  

Betty loved being a wife and mother and always kept the interests of her family at heart.  She also loved cooking, hand quilting, sewing, knitting, playing cards, and volunteering wherever she was needed.  She especially enjoyed making hundreds of charity quilt tops, microwave bowl holders, and Christmas mice.  

Betty will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the staff at Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital for their care during Mom’s final days.  

In keeping with Betty’s wishes, an informal gathering of friends and close family will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice.  Her favourites were The Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 59, The Moose Jaw Food Bank, or the Moose Jaw Humane Society.  Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550