Betty Joan McLachlan (Gerlinger)

Our beautiful Mom, Betty Joan McLachlan, passed away unexpectedly, but peacefully, in her home at the age of 66, She was beloved mother to Graham and Erin (Travis) and grandmother to her sweet boy, Weston.

Betty was born in Drumheller, Alberta in 1953 and was raised in the nearby community of Eastcoulee along with her four brothers, Joe, Don (Linda), Peter (Glenda) and Jim (Debbie) Gerlinger. In the early 1980s, Betty moved to Red Deer, where she raised her two kids.

Betty was recently retired after a career in the financial services industry. She was loving retirement and her new role as Grandma. Betty enjoyed her morning Starbucks, staying active and spending time with her cherished family and close-knit group of friends. She was also very important to her nieces and nephews, and many other relatives who will greatly miss her.

Betty had a contagious smile and a very selfless approach to life. She touched more people than she ever knew. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Betty is predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Gerlinger, and her sister-in-law, Michelle Gerlinger.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to Medicine River Wildlife Centre, Box 115, Spruce View, Alberta, T0M 1V0 or the Central Alberta Humane Society, 4505 – 77 Street, Red Deer AB, T4P 2J1, to honour Betty’s love of animals.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, January 16 at 1 pm at Deer Park Alliance Church, 2960 – 39 Street, Red Deer AB, T4R 2G2.

Condolences for the family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Arrangements in care of Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service, serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta, 587-876-4944.