Betty Kathleen Kiernan
April 9th, 2015
KIERNAN, Betty Kathleen (nee Hutchings)
March 29, 1936 Calgary,AB
April 9, 2015 Didsbury, AB
It is with regret that we announce the passing of Betty Kiernan in the Didsbury Hospital on April 9, 2015 after a lengthy illness. Betty was the youngest child of Stuart and Adelia Hutchings. She and her older brother Glen grew up on the family farm east of Airdrie until 1942 when their father bought the Les Farr Garage in Airdrie and the family moved into town. The family also operated a 24 hr restaurant and after Betty’s father passed away, Mrs. Hutchings had a rooming house. Betty and Glen, both attended school in Airdrie.
Betty married CW “Bill” Kiernan, in Crossfield, on August 27, 1963 and they took up residence in town. After a number of years in Crossfield, Bill’s work with gas cooperatives took them to a number of different communities in central and northern Alberta. Wherever they lived Betty drove school bus. She loved the kids and the job and often shared favorite stories with family and friends. Betty was also a longtime Avon lady – a passion picked up by both her daughter and granddaughter.
Bill and Betty had many adventures together, travelling near and far to car races and their favourite fishing holes. They had a special relationship. As one niece commented, “they were two peas in a pod”. Betty was lost without her “Willi” after he passed away in 2013.
Bill and Betty both retired while in Bentley, Alberta and when living on their own became difficult, they sold their home and returned to Crossfield to take up residence in the Rockyview Lodge.
Betty is survived by her brother, Glen Hutchings (Elaine); granddaughter, Crystal (Sebastian); and great-grandsons, Crystian and Cameron; her brothers-in law, Al (Carol) and Gary (Linda) Kiernan; and sister-in-law, Maureen (Gerald) Borbridge as well as many loving nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Stuart and Adelia Hutchings; her daughter, Constance and beloved husband, Bill.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Rockyview Lodge in Crossfield and the staff of Acute Care in Didsbury Hospital for their kindness in caring for Betty.
At Betty’s request there will be no funeral service. The family will gather for a private memorial at a later date.Messages:
Glen, My brother Bill let me know of Betty's passing. While I don't think she was old enough to go to the Hawthorne School when your family left the farm in 1942. I do remember her as a cute little blond kid. The Longsons send their sincerest sympathy to you and her families.
Betty was our bus driver everyday while going to school in Crossfield. She was the best. You could always talk to Betty; she knew your problems and your joys. She gave us respect and she got respect. I remember once she accidentally ran over one of our dogs. She didn't keep going. She quickly (and I mean quickly)stopped the bus and immediately ran to my seated sister consoled them as they cried. She really cared. There were many fun and wonderful memories on Betty's bus. Thanks Betty!! And say hello to Carla for me when you see her. You'll both have lots to talk and laugh about.