"I will never be able to thank Betty for her faithful commitment over the past 36 years, but today I want her to know how deeply she is loved. I am grateful that God has blessed my life with her as my best friend and wife. She has made Canada a better country and enriched my life in incredible ways."

Harold Albrecht
in the House of Commons, Valentine's Day 2008
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"Today, my heart is aching and empty, but it is also bursting with thanksgiving. I love you."

Harold Albrecht
Betty's Funeral, May 8, 2011

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A Song Found in Betty's Journal

He Knows My Name
written by Tommy Walker

I have a maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

I have a father
He calls me his own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And hears me when I call

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Psalm 20

A psalm of David.

1 May the LORD answer you when you are in distress;
may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and grant you support from Zion.
3 May he remember all your sacrifices
and accept your burnt offerings.
4 May he give you the desire of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
5 May we shout for joy over your victory
and lift up our banners in the name of our God.

May the LORD grant all your requests.

6 Now this I know:
The LORD gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
with the victorious power of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.
8 They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm.
9 LORD, give victory to the king!
Answer us when we call!

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With great sorrow, today Harold Albrecht announced that his wife Betty of 39 years passed away at Hamilton General Hospital as a result of a spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage at their home on May 2nd. She was 59.

The family appreciates all the prayers and good wishes that have been extended, but at this time needs some quiet time to heal in privacy.

Funeral details will be released when arranged.

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Albrecht, Betty

Passed away suddenly as a result of a spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage on Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at Hamilton General Hospital at 59 years of age. She left this earth peacefully, surrounded by her family.

Beloved wife of Harold Albrecht for 39 years. Loving mother of Gavin Albrecht and wife Jennifer of Shakespeare, Benj Albrecht and wife Shelley Hudson Albrecht of Owen Sound, and Arja and husband Jamie Sanfilippo of Petersburg. Adored grandmother of Bronwyn, Serena, Aaron, Malachi, Zipporah, Zachari, Kanah, Talya and Ranen. Betty will be sadly missed by her parents Wilbert and Annie (nee Sallans) Cober of Petersburg, and by her siblings, Pauline Cober of Petersburg, Susan and Wayne Lofthouse of Courtland, Lester Cober of New Hamburg, Lyndon and Kerrie Cober of New Hamburg, Roland and Donna Cober of New Dundee, and her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Delores and Bruce Winger of Kitchener, Dan and Muriel Albrecht of St. Jacobs, Ruth and Merv Potteiger of Pennsylvania, Ron and Sharon Albrecht of New Hamburg and Dale and Judy Albrecht of Wellesley. She will also be missed by a number of nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by two infant grandsons, Kieran and Benjamin, and by Harold's brother, Ray Albrecht.

Betty had a deep relationship with her Lord which permeated every aspect of her life. She invested her life in the lives of many and spent hours in prayer for others. She was a member of Pathway Community Church, Kitchener. She was the heart and soul of the 1999 Pathway Church planting initiative that Harold pastored. She served for many years as Secretary for the Canadian Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church and Treasurer of Rosebank Brethren in Christ Church. She was also the Canadian Coordinator for SPICE (Scholarship Program for International Children's Education). Scrapbooking, sewing and baking were a few of her beloved hobbies. Her renowned sweet rolls will be missed by her family and friends.

Betty was a generous and loving woman, always giving of herself to those in need. Her organizational skills and attention to detail were appreciated by all who knew her. She was Harold's greatest support in all facets of their life together. She enthusiastically became a fan of every sport and activity in which her children and grandchildren were involved.

Visitation will be held at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron Street, New Hamburg on Friday, May 6 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. and Saturday, May 7 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Reverend Darrell Winger and Pastor Don Sutherland will conduct the Funeral Service on Sunday, May 8 at 2 p.m. at Community Christian Reformed Church, 1275 Bleams Road, Kitchener (corner of Bleams & Fischer-Hallman). Interment at Rosebank Cemetery.

As expressions of sympathy, donations to Brethren in Christ World Missions (designated to General Fund or SPICE) or Mennonite Central Committee would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and memorial tribute information at www.markjutzifuneralhomes.ca
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Betty Albrecht dies in hospital
Wife of Kitchener-Conestoga MP suffered intracranial hemorrhage on election night
WILMOT TOWNSHIP — On the heels of a decisive third-term victory for Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht comes a devastating loss.
Albrecht's wife of 39 years, Betty, died Wednesday at Hamilton General Hospital as a result of a spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage suffered Monday night. She was 59.
Betty Albrecht collapsed at their Wilmot Township home after complaining of a terrible headache, as the couple prepared to depart for an election night victory celebration.
"The family appreciates all the prayers and good wishes that have been extended, but at this time needs some quiet time to heal in privacy," said a short statement released by Albrecht's office on Wednesday.
Those who knew Betty said she was a selfless, kind woman devoted to her husband, their three children, and nine grandchildren.
"Betty was loved by everyone," said Waterloo Mayor Brenda Halloran. "She loved life, and she loved her husband. They had such a close, tender relationship."
Betty was a fixture at many of the community events that Harold would attend as MP, instantly befriending those around her.
"She always had a kind word for everyone," Halloran said. "She'll be missed by all of us."
Harold Albrecht has served as MP since 2006, but the couple was already well-known in the community through his years as a dentist and as the founding pastor at Pathway Community Church.
"She was a wonderful, wonderful person, a real supporter of Harold," said former Woolwich Township mayor Bill Strauss. "She was behind him 100 per cent."
As Strauss and his wife drove to Albrecht's victory party on Monday, they heard that Betty had been rushed to hospital. "We felt so sorry," he said. "We'll deeply miss her."
In a statement, Cambridge MP Gary Goodyear said he and his wife, Valerie, were deeply saddened. "Betty always put others first and was a source of joy to everyone who knew her. She touched our hearts and we will miss her greatly."
Wilmot Township Mayor Les Armstrong said he last saw Betty on the weekend. "She was just an amazing woman," he said. "She was quite a trooper for (Harold)."
On Valentine's Day in 2008, Harold Albrecht rose in the House of Commons to pay tribute to his wife.
"While the list of those who have influenced my life and encouraged me along my journey is a long one, there is one person to whom I am most indebted and who deserves great thanks on this very special day: my wife Betty," he said.
"I will never be able to thank Betty for her faithful commitment over the past 36 years, but today I want her to know how deeply she is loved. I am grateful that God has blessed my life with her as my best friend and wife."
Visitations will be held at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron Street in New Hamburg, Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
The funeral will be held at Community Christian Reformed Church, 1275 Bleams Road in Kitchener on Sunday, at 2 p.m.
Donations to the Mennonite Central Committee's Ontario branch, Brethren in Christ World Missions, or the Scholarship Program for International Children's Education are welcomed in her memory.

[email protected]
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A devastating loss
Editorial, WATERLOO REGION RECORD, May 6, 2011

No one is ever fully prepared for the stunning reversals life can so suddenly and unexpectedly deliver. But the death of Betty Albrecht must have been especially devastating for her husband, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht, their family and friends.

In a matter of minutes on Monday night, the lives of those who were close to this wife and husband lurched from the heights of euphoria to shock and then the depths of grief.

One moment, they were all celebrating Harold Albrecht's resounding third-term federal election victory after a long, draining campaign. The next moment, after first complaining of a terrible headache, Betty Albrecht collapsed at the couple's Wilmot Township home as they prepared to drive to an election night celebration.

She died Wednesday, aged 59, at Hamilton General Hospital as a result of a spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage.

Betty Albrecht was known well in many parts of this region as a kind, generous woman who was intensely devoted to her husband of 39 years, their three children and nine great-grandchildren. After her husband was first elected to Parliament in 2006, she was tireless in her support, joining him at the countless community events and functions an MP is supposed to attend.

Harold Albrecht has worked as a pastor and founded a local church. He and his family are known for their deep Christian faith which they now will undoubtedly look to.

Our condolences go to Albrecht and his family for their great loss.
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PM to attend funeral for Betty Albrecht

KITCHENER — Prime Minister Stephen Harper will attend the funeral of Betty Albrecht, the wife of the Kitchener-Centre MP whose election night celebration was lost in tragedy.
Harold Albrecht's wife of 39 years died in hospital Wednesday, after suffering a sudden brain hemorrhage at home Monday as the couple prepared to go to the MP's election night celebration. Betty, 59, never regained consciousness and Albrecht never got to celebrate his landslide victory.
Instead, he's planning for his wife's funeral — to be held this Sunday at the Community Christian Reformed Church, 1275 Bleams Rd. in Kitchener, at 2 p.m.
Hundreds of tributes have poured in for the politician's wife who enjoyed quietly campaigning for Albrecht and preferred to stay out of the limelight. Late Thursday afternoon, Harper added his voice to the condolences.
"It was with great sadness that the Prime Minister and his wife Laureen learned of the passing of Betty Albrecht," read a statement by the Prime Minister's Office.
"Those who know Harold, know of the tremendous esteem in which he held his wife, speaking often of her love and support, both in private and in public on Valentine's Day in the House of Commons," it read.
"Betty was everything Harold had described: kind, caring and generous in her spirit. The Prime Minister and his family offer their deepest condolences to Harold and his family as they grieve her passing."
The couple both grew up in Wilmot Township and were active in the community long before Albrecht's involvement in federal politics. He was a school board trustee and founding member of a local church and worked as a dentist before being elected as a Conservative MP in 2006.
Together, the pair raised three children and had nine grandchildren.
Visitations will be held at the Mark Jutzi Funeral Home, 291 Huron St. in New Hamburg, Friday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and Saturday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m.
Donations to the Mennonite Central Committee's Ontario branch, Brethren in Christ World Missions, or the Scholarship Program for International Children's Education are welcomed in her memory.

[email protected]

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Hundreds remember Betty Albrecht


KITCHENER — In the span of just one week, Harold Albrecht has experienced the "extreme limits" of human emotions.
Joy, at his third-term election victory in the riding of Kitchener-Conestoga on Monday night.
Worry and concern, as his wife of 39 years, Betty, fell gravely ill as the couple was preparing to leave for an election-night celebration.
Grief and sorrow, as the woman he called "my very best friend and soulmate" slipped away Wednesday at a Hamilton hospital.
And on a day reserved for mothers everywhere, he looked on Sunday as his three grown children said a final goodbye to theirs.
Hundreds of family members and friends, politicians and parishioners gathered at Kitchener's Community Christian Reformed Church to bid a heartfelt farewell to Betty Albrecht.
The beloved 59-year-old wife, mother and grandmother suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage at the couple's Wilmot Township home. She never regained consciousness.
"Less than one week ago, Betty was the picture of health, enjoying life to its fullest," Harold Albrecht told the audience filling the 900-seat church and an overflow room to capacity.
Those in attendance included Prime Minister Stephen Harper and several high-profile MPs, along with many local politicians who have come to know the Albrechts since Harold was first elected in 2006.
"A sudden headache changed our lives forever," Harold said.
A trying time like this brings with it a flood of emotions, thoughts and questions, Rev. Darrell Winger said, "questions with few if any answers." It's a time to trust in God, he said, a trust Betty Albrecht gave throughout a life rooted in faith.
In 1999, Betty joined her husband in his transition from dentist to founding pastor at Kitchener's Pathway Community Church. Over the years, she served as secretary for the Canadian Conference of the Brethren in Christ Church and treasurer of Rosebank Brethren in Christ Church. She was also the Canadian co-ordinator for the Scholarship Program for International Children's Education.
With a forthright style tempered with care and compassion, Betty endeared herself to those around her and served as a role model to many.
"She was a teacher in the practical ways of life," said Heather Gross of Pathway Community Church. "Her words made sense," Gross said. "I think that is what we call wisdom."
When another transition, from pastor to politician, took Harold to Ottawa, Betty went with him — and quickly became a surrogate mother and grandmother to her second family on Parliament Hill.
"To some, she became an Ottawa mom," Harper told those gathered. She would appear frequently in the office, making sure staffers had eaten breakfast, or asking why they were there so late.
It wasn't so much that Harold came to Ottawa, Harper said. It was that he and Betty came together, as a team. "They were one in heart and purpose," Harper said.
The service was as rich with laughter as it was with tears.
Harold Albrecht told the audience that he and his family members gathered outside Sunday morning as the hearse passed by their hobby farm — one of his sons in a shirt and tie, and Harold, unshaven and still in his barn clothes.
"I'll bet Betty would say, ‘Harold, what were you thinking?' " he said. "And I would say, ‘I wasn't.' "
As Harper acknowledged members of the Conservative caucus at the memorial, he called it a "great tribute to the affection and esteem" in which both Harold and Betty are held. "And I can tell you this, Harold, it didn't come from the Whip's office."
But tears flowed as the couple's three children and many of their nine grandchildren offered their own poignant thoughts.
"Thanks for showing me how to love and give and how to care," said son Benj Albrecht. "You taught me to have a Godly perspective, and what is important in life.
"We will continue your legacy."
With his children surrounding him on stage, Harold Albrecht spoke of his wife's unfailing support, and credited her as a major reason for his success.
"Today, my heart is aching and empty, but it is also bursting with thanksgiving," he said, bidding his wife goodbye with three simple words. "I love you."

[email protected]

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IN MEMORIAM, WATERLOO REGION RECORD, May 4, 2012

ALBRECHT, Betty March 1, 1952 - May 4, 2011 It's been one year since we said goodbye. We miss you more than words can adequately describe, but because of Christ's victory over death, we know we will see you again! You will always be remembered with deep love by Harold, Gavin and Jennifer, Benj and Shelley, Arja and Jamie and cherished grandchildren Bronwyn, Serena, Aaron, Malachi, Zipporah, Zachari, Kanah, Talya and Ranen. "Teach us to realize the beauty of life so that we may grow in wisdom." Psalm 90:12