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Betteann was born August 25th, 1948 to Kenneth (d2008) and Annice (d 1993) Clark in Wawota, SK. Betteann’s early years began on the family farm near Walpole, SK.  Being an only child did not last long with her brother Gregory (1950-2015) joining the family.

Close in age, cousins Tyler and Colin lived nearby and the four were often together.  Betteann was tough and never let the boys get the better of her. Betteann was rather accident prone from an early age – once, climbing and falling from the cook stove and burning herself quite badly.  A tangle with a barbwire fence left her with a large scar on her leg. As a child, Betteann could often be found climbing trees or riding her bike down a steep hill. Stubborn and determined, nothing stopped her from doing what she wanted. Sisters Bev and Sybil came along and joined the family.  Betteann was a teacher long before she was formally a teacher, as these sisters were her first pupils. She spent countless hours reading to them and playing school, and of course, she was the teacher.

Betteann embraced farm life and helped with everything from seeding to harvest, as well as stacking bales and feeding the cows. Her lifelong love of gardening, picking berries and making jam began on the farm at a very early age and continued throughout her life.

Betteann’s education began at Bethany school, a one room country school three miles from home.  The country school closed and Betteann’s education continued in Fairlight and Maryfield.  Betteann graduated in 1966 and was off to Regina to obtain her teaching credentials.  She worked hard babysitting and waitressing to support her education.

Betteann’s first teaching job was in Carlyle in the fall of 1968. Two years later Roger came to teach in the High School in Carlyle.  It didn’t take long for the two to start dating.  On October 30, 1971, they quietly went to Regina to get married.  For several weeks after, the principal of the two schools was very concerned of what the community thought of Betteann and Roger living together, until he finally found out that they had married.  Two years followed when they decided to move to Carnduff to teach there.  On February 13, 1974, their first child, Deverell, was born in Oxbow.  Several years before, Roger and Betteann had spent a few weeks at Roger’s brother and sister-in-law’s cabin at Jackfish Lake.  That is when Betteann fell in love with Northern Saskatchewan. 1976 arrived and it was time to move again – destination: Carrot River, in northern Saskatchewan where both had obtained teaching positions.  On March 20, 1983, Betteann gave birth to their second child, Chantal.  Twenty three years were spent in Carrot River.  Betteann retired from teaching in June, 1998.  She substitute taught at Carrot River Elementary School the following year.  In 1999, the house was sold to Deverell, and Betteann, Roger and Chantal moved to North Battleford.  It didn’t take long for Betteann to do some more substitute teaching.  That lasted another twelve years or so when she decided enough was enough.

Not long after Betteann and Roger’s stay at the cabin at Jackfish Lake in the early 1970’s, this same cabin was up for sale and they bought it.  It immediately became their yearly summer destination and after the move to North Battleford it was Betteann’s summer home.  It was the place she always loved the most.  It was a good place, an active place, a fun place, one filled with many good memories.
Betteann quickly became an integral and significant part of the Lavigne family.  She was fully and easily accepted by all including her many nieces and nephews.  So much so, that some of the nephews felt comfortable stopping in at the cabin at odd hours and Betteann would welcome them no matter what the hour and would put them up for the night.

Betteann was a quiet and kind person who welcomed many a relative to the cabin and her home.  Conversations with Betteann were always interesting as she would look at situations in a positive way.  Her hospitality and kindness for many reunions and family functions was remarkable.  She always had time and food when a crowd came.  The food was always great!  Bettteann’s chili and roasts were fantastic!  A group who had come for a family function commented that Betteann’s chili was the best meal they had during their week long trip.  And, by the way, if you showed up first you could have a bedroom at the cabin!

Wherever Betteann taught she always fit in nicely.  She was easy to work with and always ready to lend a helping hand, even if it meant changing her own plans.  Pulling pranks to lighten the atmosphere were somewhat part of her nature.  Betteann was very generous.  She would gladly share any of her work materials with whoever liked them and would do it without a moment’s hesitation.  Co-workers loved when Betteann chaired committees as the meetings were short and to the point.  If Betteann had a task to do it was done quickly and carefully.  She had amazing classroom management and was extremely organized.  She rarely had a discipline problem and the students loved her. Betteann was a ACRA (Aquadeo Community Recreational Association) member and on the executive as treasurer since 2011.  She was a willing worker, taking part in garage sales, Party in the Park, golf tournaments, and donated homemade jams and jellies at bake sales and silent auctions.  Betteann was a very quiet person and never said no when called upon for help.  Betteann will be missed by ACRA and everyone around the beach who knew her.

Betteann loved reading, playing Bridge with friends and family, Suduko, word puzzles, and solitaire games on the computer, fishing, gardening, berry picking, and making jam.  She kept up the traditional Clark family Christmas dinners from childhood.  She loved socializing. She very much enjoyed her time spent as a member of ACRA.

Betteann passed away peacefully at home, in her sleep on August 20, 2024.  She was predeceased by her son, Deverell on April 25, 2024. Betteann is survived by her loving husband, Roger; her daughter and best friend, Chantal; her sisters: Bev and Sybil; several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.  Betteann is and always will be missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m.  Lunch and fellowship will follow at the Aquadeo Hall. For those wishing to send memorial donations you may do so to the St. Leon’s Cemetery Fund – PO Box 17 Edam, SK S0K 0V0 c/o St. Leon Parish with the memo to read “Cemetery Fund” or to the charity of a donors choosing. Arrangements have been entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service and Crematorium – Vanessa Macnab Funeral Director.

• Date : 2024-09-12
• Location : North Battleford, SK