Betty Antonia Lys
Betty Antonia Lys of Moose Jaw, SK, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9th, 2025, at the age of 91 years. Betty was born June 11th, 1933, in Rackham, MB to Paul and Nettie Chastko (née: Anastasia Czysnok). During a trip to Moose Jaw to visit relatives she met her future husband, Harry Lys. They quickly fell in love and were married in 1952, on a rainy August 30th, in Strathclair, MB. The couple settled in Moose Jaw where they embarked on their forty-year long adventure of owning a grocery store, which eventually became to be known as Westmount IGA. It was during these years that they enjoyed serving many customers, many of whom would become lifelong friends. They operated the store right up until their retirement in 1993. When asked about her favourite memories of the long hours spent co-managing the business for over forty years, Betty always said it was the people that made it easy for her to go to work everyday. After Harry’s passing in 1995, she very much enjoyed and appreciated the numerous people who would stop and chat and reminisce about their fond memories of visiting “the store”.
During her well-earned retirement, Betty continued to be active within the church and community. She participated in many perogy and cabbage roll making sessions in the basement of the church as well as at home. Many family members who regularly benefited from Betty’s culinary skills realized that these days would eventually come to an end and attempted to acquire the necessary skills through participating in one of Betty’s occasional “perogy making seminars”. While her students were somewhat successful, they did not quite attain a comparable level of mastery. In addition to being active with the UCWLC, Betty also volunteered weekly at Timothy Gardens for over 20 years, until the age of ninety, where she enjoyed meeting more people and making more friends.
Betty immensely enjoyed time spent with family and friends. She had an artistic flair and shared her talents making crafts and paintings with the grandchildren, which they greatly enjoyed. Living on a well treed lot on south hill resulted in regular opportunities to observe the wildlife which frequented her backyard. During the summer months, Betty loved to sit on her front porch to soak up the sun and give a wave to the neighbours passing by. She was truly a gentle soul and will dearly be missed.
She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Harry; mother, Nettie Chastko and father, Paul Chastko of Minnedosa, MB; sister, Julie Chastko and brother, Lloyd Chastko of Strathclair, MB; and brother, Tony Chastko of Calgary, AB. Betty is survived by her brother, Kazmer (aka Casey) Chastko of Sherwood Park, AB; son Terry (Lenora) of Calgary; daughter, Patricia (Ed) of Moose Jaw; son, Bob (Pam) of Moose Jaw; grandchildren: Katherine (Jim) Russell of Elkford, BC, Dr. Alexandra (Shawn) Stratton of Ottawa, ON, Emanuel (Michelle) and Kennedy (Kristen) of Calgary, Matthew (Ashley) of Moose Jaw, Jordan (Britney) of Foam Lake, SK, and Racquel (Taylor) of Moose Jaw; great-grandchildren: Sierra, Trinity, and Aspen Stratton of Ottawa, Isaac, Elliot, and Jude Russell of Elkford, Lennon Wandler of Moose Jaw, Ella Lys of Calgary, Luka Lys of Foam Lake, and Logan Lys of Calgary.
The Lys family would like to express a deep, heartfelt Thank You to Dr. Bortolotti and staff at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital for the care they provided during Mom’s final days. As well, a special Thank You to all the staff and Doctors at the MJ Dialysis unit. You went beyond what was expected when helping Mom during her time with you. Also, to all the staff at both Moose Jaw Special Care Home and Pioneer Lodge who provided the 24-hour care that Mom required these last 9 months.
The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, 625 5th Avenue SW, Moose Jaw. Father Vasyl Tymishak of Regina will be the celebrant. A Time of Visitation will take place on Monday, February 17th, 2025 from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Moose Jaw Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s name can be made to the Moose Jaw UCWLC or alternately to u24.gov.ua to help support the Ukrainian people during this time of conflict. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Andrew Pratt, Funeral Director 306-693-4550
Betty was a very sweet person who made me feel special whenever I popped in to the store. She also gave back to the community as a member of the School Board. My condolences to the family.
Sad to hear of Betty”s passing. I remember going to Westmount IGA for my mom to the post office which Betty ran And getting cold cuts with Harry behind the butcher counter.It was my neighborhood store . Every Saturday I would slide over and blow my 25 cent allowance .I seen Betty not that long ago at Pioneer Lodge just before and after Christmas and mentioned to her about the years her and Harry ran the store . To the Lys family my condolences Greg Nicholls.
Without a doubt, Betty was one of the sweetest, kindest people I’ve known – and she had a great sense of humour, too. She was a very reliable volunteer at MJ & District Seniors Association, for the front desk, card tournaments and many other events for many years. Betty was very well-liked and respected by everyone who knew her. I was certainly a big fan! My sincere condolences to her family and friends; my memories of Betty make me smile and I don’t think I’m the only one. We only hope we live our lives as well as Betty did.
Sorry to read of Betty’s passing. She was such a nice lady. I remember going to the corner store and they actually had charge accounts. Betty and Harry were always polite and kind.
We were so sorry to hear of the passing of Betty. We knew her from when she was a volunteer on the front desk at the MJ & District Seniors Center. She was always very friendly and out going. She use to have lunch with My Mom Violet Talock on Thursdays when Mom was healthy enough to go to the center almost every day. Our deepest sympathy to all of Betty’s family and friends. Cherish the happy memories you have of her. We hope in time ,these memories will bring you comfort, hope and peace. Take care.
My deepest condolences to the Lys family. I worked at Timothy Eatons Centre with Betty. She was the kindest most gentle person I ever knew. Never a bad remark about anyone. I will greatly miss her.
Love always Rhonda Cuylle
Bob, Pam and family. Very sorry for your loss. Your mom lived and full and happy life. She certainly was a people person sharing her talents and friendship. Our condolences.
Betty was my cousin I have alot of memories of her and Harry even thou I havent seen her in
a very long time.. My tthoughts and prayers with you at this time.
Ollie Polonsky
Vichnaya pamyat! R.I.P [*]
I have many memories of your Mom & Dad with growing up down the street from their store! Terry, Pat & Bob may your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this challenging time. Condolences and Prayers to you and your families.
My deepest condolences to Terry, Patricia, Bob and family. While it’s been quite a few years since our paths have crossed, my love and prayers are with you all. Aunt Betty will certainly be missed.
Love always Larry Chastko
My condolences to the family of Betty, you are all in my thoughts and I send love and light to you all at this time. Betty was very active in her later years and held a membership at the gym where I had many great and memorable conversations with her. Her affections were for family and business and we shared our common thoughts on that and various topics that surround living in and doing business in Moose Jaw. She was always insightful and followed up with a well thought out quick whited thought. I will always remember her kindness and heart.
Michelle Power – Fit 4 Life Moose Jaw