SCHNURER, Betty “Jean” (née Steeves)

March 19, 1940 – March 11, 2021

Betty “Jean” passed away peacefully on March 11, 2021 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 80 years.

Born to Agnes and Curry Steeves on March 19, 1940 on the farm south of Carnduff,SK, she grew up with two brothers and one sister at the Steeves farm south of Carievale, SK.  Knowing adversity and the importance of hard work, Jean was an adventurous soul, leaving home with her grandfather to arrive in Albert Park, AB in 1957 as a 17 year old. She later made her forever home in Calgary, though farming was always in her blood. Jean graduated as a Nursing Aid in 1959 from the General Hospital where she met a patient, John Schnurer. They married in 1960 raising two sons, Garth and Troy.

Jean was a very active volunteer and John and Jean’s open door policy put her compassion and dedication to helping others to work. Family, friends, and others always found rides, car repairs, meals, and a bed at their home. She was an example of someone who gave endlessly of herself to others and made many good friends on life’s journey.

Jean will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her beloved sons, Garth (Shalee) and Troy (Crystal); her treasured grandchildren Dustin (Aimee), Brandin (Lisa), Whitney (Ryan) and four much loved great-grandsons, Wyatt, Cash, Kasen, and Madden; her sister Bev (Larry) Ireland; her brother Bill (Ida) Steeves; and her sisters-in-law Norma Steeves and Ann Couture. Jean was predeceased by her loving husband John, parents Agnes and Curry Steeves, and brother Warren Steeves. 

Due to Covid restrictions, a Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Myasthenia Gravis Society of Canada (http://www.mgcanada.org/) or Alberta Autism Society (https://autismalberta.ca/).

Arrangements Entrusted to Lawrence (Larry) Slywka, Funeral Director

Cochrane Country Funeral Home – Ph: 403-932-1039

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  1. On 16/03/2021 at 1:17 pm Calgary Fire Department Pensioners Association Said:

    Garth and the Schnurer Family, Jean was an amazing lady that was willing to help the Pensioners Association at the drop of a hat. Her mobility problem didn’t stop her from being our “call out lady” who telephoned all the Pensioners who didn’t have a computer to inform them of upcoming luncheons, and wether or not they would be attending.Whenever I would stop by to give her a list, or pick one up, we would have a nice visit and solve all the worlds problems. Our sincere condolences to you all on your loss.

  2. On 17/03/2021 at 4:17 pm Mal and Diane Valentini Said:

    To the Schnurer Family. I was an old school mate with Jean at Carievale. We always kept in touch with our Christmas letter. Had a “little” competition who would get their cards out first. We will treasure the last from 2020.
    Our deepest condolences.

  3. On 17/03/2021 at 9:30 pm Les Burton Said:

    Troy and Family,
    It was a pleasure knowing your Mom. It was nice to see her and the APRH functions. Always showing her love for Albert Park. She was a piller in the community. And never shy of telling how it was or should be. She will be missed. From all of the APRH Board of Directors you are in our thoughts and prayers.
    Les Burton
    APRH Past President

  4. On 18/03/2021 at 11:03 pm Gord and Peggy Buckler Said:

    Our hearts and thoughts are with Jeans family.

  5. On 19/03/2021 at 9:31 am Carol Preston Said:

    Garth and family,
    We send our condolences at your loss.
    Our hearts go out to you.
    Carol, Pam & family & Jason

  6. On 19/03/2021 at 10:00 am Gath Caron Said:

    So sorry to hear about your mom Garth

  7. On 19/03/2021 at 10:41 am Carolyn Alway Said:

    Garth and Family,

    I first met your Mom because Bob worked with your Dad as a Firefighter. Over the years met up many times with your Mom because we lived in Forest Lawn and the boys played Hockey for APRH for a time and then again because of the CFD Pensioners and the luncheons. We both were avid volunteers for anything that needed to be done. She will be missed.

    My deepest condolences.
    Carolyn Alway

  8. On 20/03/2021 at 1:11 pm Wayne & Lynn McQueen Said:

    Garth and Family,
    We are so saddened to read about your loss. Your Mom sounded like a lovely person and will be missed. We hope your Special Memories with her will help to lessen your heartache today and over time be replaced by comfort. Please know friends are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Our Deepest Condolences. Wayne & Lynn McQueen

  9. On 23/03/2021 at 6:56 pm Jeff Trudeau Said:

    Garth, my condolences to you and your family