Betty Jean (Early) Pearce, 79, of James River Bridge, Alberta, passed away on May 18, 2023, after a short illness. Mom’s life would seem too short to many, but those of us who were blessed to be loved by our mom understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceeds the quantity of time that she stayed here.
Betty was born on June 4, 1943, one of “the twins” to Merle and Fern (Carroll) Early in Calgary, Alberta. She was married to George Henderson in July 1961 and with their children, Tami and Byrn, moved to California where Robert (Bob) was born in 1968. It was January 1976 when they moved their family back to Calgary. Betty and George were divorced in July 1977.
Betty met her loving husband and companion, Robert (Bob) Pearce in the late 1970s, and they spent many years camping at Pine Lake, Alberta. They also spent many weekends camping around southern Alberta with the Calgary General Radio Club. Mom enjoyed socializing and participating in the cribbage and horseshoe tournaments.
Mom and Bob sold their home in Calgary (Douglasdale) in the early 1900s when they retired and move to “The Property” at James River Bridge, Alberta. They shared the property with friends and family and many family reunions were held there up to the passing of Nana, Betty’s mother, Fern (Carroll) (Early) Sawyer.
Mom loved to travel and her and Bob traveled across Canada and the US in their motorhome. In the later years, they would spend days in Las Vegas where mom was a successful Blackjack player and would sit at the slot machines enjoying the casino atmosphere from morning till past her bedtime.
In the early 2000s, mom experienced a terrible time with Trigeminal Neuralgia. She suffered with the pain, and then the fear that the pain would reoccur for the rest of her days. Mom later had an appendicitis attack in which we almost lost her, but she proved herself to be a fighter and she returned home after 4 months in hospital. Mom spent most of her time at home after this where she loved to play online poker and solitaire on her computer while watching movies and CNN. Mom was a follower of current events, and she was a pleasure to have conversations with.
Betty was predeceased by her parents, Merle Victor Early (1952), and Fern Victoria (Carroll) Sawyer (2014). Her siblings, Dale Ross Early (1975), Donn May Armstrong (1998), and Wayne Elton Early (2022). Betty is survived by her husband, Bob Pearce, her daughter Tami (John) Neilson, her sons, Bryn-Glen Henderson (Tracey), and Bob (Rhonda) Henderson. She carries on her family tree with nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Lovingly remembered by her stepchildren, Tami, Darryl, and Cheri and their families. Betty leaves behind her sibling, Roy (Julie) Early, Carol (Jack) White, Allan (Marsha) Early, and Michele Pederson along with many nieces and nephews that she held dear in her heart.
A service will be held at the Sundre Legion on June 24 from 2-5. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a cause or organization that you feel strongly about.

• Date : 2023-05-21
• Location : (Red Deer) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com