It is with a heart full of gratitude and celebration that we honour the vibrant life of Elizabeth Wilhelmina Filazek (nee Engel), affectionately known as Betty, who was born on May 2, 1935, in Spring Valley, SK. Betty's journey on this earth came to a sudden & unexpected close on May 7, 2025, in Regina, SK, where she was called to her eternal home, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and service.
Betty's early years were marked by a spirit of adventure and adaptability, as she moved from the prairies of Saskatchewan to the lush landscapes of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, at the tender age of two months. Her school years were spent in the beautiful city of Victoria, where she expanded her horizons with office and business classes that would later serve as a foundation for her employment with the BC government, farm bookkeeping and serving the churches & communities she was part of.
The year 1960 was a pivotal one for Betty, as she left the familiarity of Victoria's city life to embrace a new chapter of farm life in Spring Valley, marrying her beloved Wilfred. Though the transition from urban to rural living presented its challenges, Betty's resilience and warmth shone through as she forged lasting friendships within her community. Her entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by her passion for nurturing the next generation, as she led local 4-H groups in the arts of cooking, baking, sewing, and knitting.
Music was a cornerstone of Betty's life, her talent as a pianist gracing Peace Lutheran Church, where she played the organ for many years. The hymns and praise songs that flowed from her fingertips were a testament to her deep faith, a faith she lived out daily, imparting it to her children and those around her.
Betty's love for her Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ was the guiding light of her existence. It was a love she shared generously, teaching Sunday School and serving others in her local church and community and always giving generously to share the good news of the Gospel with others all over the world. Â Her kind and loving nature, her unwavering faith, were the hallmarks of her character, touching the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her family, the heart of her world, includes her children, Darryl & Heather Filazek of Regina and their children Emily (Alex) Moore, Sabina, and Declan; Cherene & Bryan Assman of the Prince Albert area and their children Cole (Amanda) and Owen (April). Betty's spirit also lives on through her sister, Joyce Cherkas, niece Cheryl Black, and great-nephew Jack Black of Bellevue, Washington.
Betty's journey was shaped by the love of her late husband Wilfred, her parents Ludwig and Anna Engel, her brother Ernest, her in-laws Rudolf and Annie Filazek, her sister-in-law Gloria Filazek, and her brother-in-law Ernie Cherkas. Each of them played a significant role in her story, and while they preceded her in passing, the reunion they now share is a comforting thought to those she leaves behind.
As we reflect on the life of Betty, let us cherish the memories and lessons she imparted. Her legacy is not one of grief but of inspiration—a call to love deeply, serve joyfully, and live a life grounded in faith. Betty's story encourages us to embrace each day with purpose and to leave an indelible mark on the hearts of those we encounter. May her memory be a beacon of hope and a reminder of the profound impact one life, lived with intention and grace, can have on the world.
A graveside service will be held at the Peace Lutheran Cemetery near Spring Valley, SK on Sunday, June 22nd at 2:30 PM with a time of fellowship to follow at the Spring Valley Hall.
Thank you to Speers Funeral & Cremation Services, 2136 College Avenue, Regina SK, Lorne Puffalt Funeral Director 306-522-3232 for assisting with arrangements.