October 6, 1942 – August 11, 2026
Betty-Lou’s name had a special story. In Truro Nova Scotia, as her brave dad boarded the train for war, he hollered back over his shoulder: “If it’s a girl, call her Betty-Lou!” And so, they did. She remembered him returning 4 years later with candy and a doll for her. Delmar and Edna Weberg raised Betty-Lou and her siblings, Bruce, Barry, Bernice, Barbara, Brenda, and Bradley, in a small farmhouse in Eagle River. At the “farmhouse” with seven ‘B’ names to remember, Edna did not always land on the right name when she called on them. The tight-knit, mischief-prone siblings were forever ready for a good time. Betty-Lou, ever the steady one, did her best to keep the chaos from tipping over completely (except those few times with Auntie Betty). These early years shaped the warm, genuine, and deeply caring person our mom remained throughout her life.
Community dances were always special to her, especially one fateful dance at Waldolf Hall. By sixteen, Betty-Lou already knew what she wanted: to marry Alex Maslach and raise a family. And this is what they did, with much love in the house. Alex and Betty-Lou were blessed with six children, thoughtfully named as they worked their way through the alphabet: Cheryl, Denette, Eugene, Faylynn, and Gena-Lee. When it came time for an “H,” none of the names felt quite right. So, David completed the family instead.
Together they built a loving, memory-filled home in Barclay. The kids all attended Barclay School, where “Mommy Maslach” was known by everyone for showing up with her famous cinnamon buns and treating the staff like family. She also devoted countless hours volunteering at St. Joseph’s Church, Dryden District Hospital, and was deeply committed to her faith.
Even after the children left home, Betty-Lou continued to show up for anyone who needed it, usually with food, mended dresses, stories, and her unmistakable dedication to her family. Then came the spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each forming their own special relationship with her. Wherever she was, warmth followed – literally. She lovingly knit countless pairs of socks throughout the years, sharing them generously with those who were kind to her and, at times, with complete strangers who seemed in need of a little warmth and comfort.
After losing Alex, Betty-Lou moved to Thunder Bay from Barclay. There, she found a wonderful group of dancing friends and was soon cutting a rug, as many nights a week as she could manage. Known for her sense of humor, she often joked about having a Baileys and took pride in the fact that she had never once tried beer.
Although Thunder Bay became her home, she often said she missed the bush and its tranquility. Eagle River held a special place in her heart, and the many memories and adventures she enjoyed there remained a cherished part of who she was and stayed with her throughout her life.
She often talked about her angels, and she treated everyone she met as though they might be one. Even when she became sick, she would light up when her caregivers told her stories about their own mommy. She was forever looking out for everyone else, but herself. She brought that same warmth and joy to her family, her friends, neighbours, strangers, and any floor with just enough room for a dance.
It was her wish that we not be sad or feel sorry for anything. We will do our best, although we will miss her more than words can say. We take comfort in believing that she is now with her heavenly angels, including, Alex, who has waited patiently to fill her dance card once again.
We love you, Mom, sister, aunt, grandma and friend.
A graveside service will be held at the Dryden Cemetery on Saturday, August 15 at 12pm, followed by a picnic at Hudson Post Park “The Post” on Eagle Lake. If you are unable to attend, please say a prayer for her and your family, especially for your mommy.
