Elizabeth (Beth) Marion Byggdin, passed away at Steinbach, Manitoba, January 23, 2010. Beth was born August 11, 1919 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the eldest daughter of George and Eleanor Evans. She completed her public and high school studies in Davis, SK, and (Teachers) Normal School in Saskatoon. Beth taught for a total of 28 years, all but one in SK, including the School for the Deaf in Saskatoon, as well as both public and high school. In 1944 she married Reverend Wallace Henry Byggdin and together they served pastorates in SK, MB and BC until his retirement in 1983. On retirement, they resided in Moose Jaw, but travelled extensively overseas and throughout Canada and the U.S. Beth was an accomplished hostess and cook, highly dedicated and gifted teacher, keen writer, loving wife and mother. For many years she helped new immigrants and also worked with Meals on Wheels. She was a founding member of the (Moose Jaw) "Prairie Pens" and self published a book of poetry. On her retirement from teaching (Melfort) in 1979, she was honored with the Meritorious Service Award by the SK Dept. of Education. She was also active in the M.J. branch of the Superannuated Teachers of SK, where she was awarded an honorary life membership in 2001. Beth is survived by her daughter Sharon Paddock (Glen) of Renton, WA, her son Brent (Ellen) of Niverville, MB, and her daughter Shelley Di-Nur (Jack Eastwood) of St. John's, Nfld., as well as six grandchildren and one great grandchild. Also surviving are her sisters Ruth (Harold) Riddell, Isabel Dahl, Hazel Belsher, Dorothy (Hans) Schneider and one brother, Everett Evans, as well as sisters-in-law Lucille Henwood, Willa Byggdin, Norma Smith and numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Wallace in 2007, her son Ross in 1952, her granddaughter Marina Beth in 1990, her brother Lawrence in 2004 and her son-in-law Uriel Di-Nur in 1987. Special thanks to the staff of the Repos in Ste. Pierre, Pat Harder, the De Salaberry E.R. and EMS staff and the Bethesda E.R. and ward staff on duty the night of January 22 and the morning of January 23, in particular Dr. Mokate and nurses Mark, Natasha and Tammy, whose highly competent and compassionate care was appreciated and of comfort to Beth and her family during her final hours. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Beth Byggdin, to International Child Care Ministries of FMC in Canada (www.childcareministries.net) would be a fitting tribute to Beth's love and care for the well being of children everywhere. An informal viewing and sharing time will take place at Birchwood Funeral Chapel in Steinbach on Friday, January 29 at 8:00 p.m. The memorial service will be held Saturday, January 30 at 2:00 p.m. also at Birchwood Funeral Chapel. Interment at Hespeler Cemetery in Niverville prior to the service.