Obituary of Elizabeth Jean Boyd

On November 25, 2025, Elizabeth “Betty” Boyd of Edmonton died peacefully in the Edmonton General Palliative Care, at the age of 95 years. Betty was born in Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan, on July 8, 1930. Betty graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Saskatchewan. She worked for a short time as a social worker, but most of her career was at the University of Alberta Library.

Betty is survived by her brother, Dr. Mark (Lise) Boyd of Montreal. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Jean Boyd; and her siblings, Dr. Angus (Mary) Boyd, Dr. Donald (Collette) Boyd, Mary (Vince) Dantzer, Father Leo Boyd, OMI, and Father Ian Boyd, CSB. Betty had 23 nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Betty had a great love for the arts – she attended theatre, symphony, ballet and opera. She was generous with tickets, encouraging others to discover and enjoy the arts as much as she did. While working at the university she began studying German, which became a lifelong interest. She also loved to play bridge and in her younger years she was athletic – swimming, cycling, and playing tennis.

Betty will be remembered for her kindness, generosity and also for her warm beautiful bright smile. She was recognized by Catholic Social Services for her outstanding volunteer service. She had compassion for everyone. She will be deeply missed by her many friends from The Glenora, where she lived for over 35 years, her friends from St. Andrew’s Parish and St. Joseph’s Basilica, where she was a member of the CWL for over 30 years. When Betty moved to Rosedale two years ago, she made many more new friends. She made friends everywhere she went. Her love of God, her family and her friends were the most important things in her life. She will be greatly missed by the many people whose lives she touched. She lived her life guided by her deep Catholic faith. Betty was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

A Prayer Service was held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Connelly-McKinley Downtown Funeral Home, 10011 114 Street NW, Edmonton and Funeral Mass took place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at St. Joseph’s Basilica, 10044 113 Street NW, Edmonton. Cremated remains have been transferred to MacIsaac Funeral Home, 61 Pleasant Street, Antigonish.  A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 am on Thursday, May 28, 2026 in St. Ninian Place (located behind Cathedral), with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding. Burial in the parish cemetery. 

Arrangements entrusted to Connelly-McKinley Downtown Funeral Home, Edmonton and MacIsaac Funeral Home, Antigonish, NS.