Janet Elizabeth Margaret Francis (Betty) Bolen (nee Lederhouse)
Nana B. November 26, 1923 - September 20, 2010.

It is with deep sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Betty Bolen on September 20, 2010 at the age of 86. Betty was born in Prince Albert, SK on November 26, 1923. She was one of 12 children born to Alexander and Anna.

You would never have known that Mom fought non-Hodgkins lymphoma for more than 19 years, because she did so with a brave face, an open mind and heart, perseverance and a determination that would never quit. She didn't let her disease and its progression stand in the way of living life to the fullest.

We will miss her dearly, but are so grateful to have had our mom with us for so many years: Verne Bolen, Claudia and Otto Krasilowez, Carla and Gord Anderson, Daryl and Sheila Bolen, Darcy and Karyn Bolen, Paulette and Lyndon Lashinski, all of Regina: and son-in-law Phil (Tyma) Tweten of Calgary.

Her 31 grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their spouses have received the gift of Nana/Grandma's unending love and will keep her in their hearts always: Shaun Tweten (Keelee and Ty), Sage and Shaun Monto (Alyssa and Jacob), Deidre Bolen, Nicole and Derek Birkenshaw (Taylor, Caitlin and Courtney), Reagan and Jorge Gonzalez (Marcello and Diego), Ryan Clark (Damian, Dylan and Annabelle), Andi and Darren Polanski, Erin (Kevin) Thurmeier, Sarah Bolen and Willem Bolen, Krystal and Cole Schwan (Cheyenne), Madison and Shayla Bolen, Amber (Scott) and Carson Bolen. Devon (Chelsey), Breanne (Scott) and Rebecca (Devin) Lashinski.

Betty is also survived by her brother Tony Lederhouse; sisters-in-law Bernice, Ruby and Peggy Lederhouse; Tess Menear; Eva Bolen and many nieces, nephews, godchildren, cousins and friends.

Betty was predeceased by her oldest daughter Donna Tweten (1972), her husband Peter Bolen (1986), great-granddaughters Meagen Birkenshaw (1998), Lily Milford-Thurmeier (1999), and grandson Brendon Bolen (2007). She was also predeceased by her parents Alexander and Anna (Weinmeyer) Lederhouse; her brothers and sisters Michael, Anna, John, Frank, Sister Gerarda, Joe, George, Phil, Alex and Leo Lederhouse; sisters-in-law Beth, Margaret, Betty and Bella Lederhouse; in-laws Michael and Annie Bolen, Mick Bolen and Madeline Brill.

At age 17, Mom moved to Regina, attending school to become a certified Lab Technician. She didn't stay in her career long, after meeting and marrying our father Peter in 1946 and starting their family in Regina. Our mother will be remembered for many things, but mostly for her selfless, kind and giving nature. A devout Catholic, Mom devoted herself to the church as well as to raising 7 children and running a large household through some tough times.

She went to work at Sears Canada in 1975 as an Inventory Control Clerk where she made many friends and kept everyone laughing with her practical jokes, and well fed with her never ending cooking and baking. After Mom's retirement in 1985, then caring for our father at home through his brief illness, she threw herself into helping her large family and the community even more, working countless hours as a volunteer for many organizations, even when undergoing treatment for her own illness.

Mom was a lifelong member of the CWL, received her 25 year pin for volunteering with the Pasqua Hospital Auxiliary working in day surgery and the front desk, volunteered at Santa Maria Nursing Home helping with the old people, provided her guidance and time at Birthright, gave communion at Extendicare Nursing Homes and volunteered at the MacKenzie Art Gallery. She was recently selected as an Honor Guard for the 100th Anniversary celebration for the Roman Catholic Church.

In her spare time, she managed over 100 games of golf each year, walked up to 2 miles every single day, bowled in the winter, lawn bowled in the summer, all until she broke her hip in the winter of 2009...