Mr. Speaker, it saddens me to advise this House that Germaine Deneron Betthale passed away on January 25th, 2022. Ms. Betthale was born on May 1st, 1923, at Fisherman's Lake to Laurent Deneron and Marie Angel Colley. This is where she was raised. Germaine lived in a true Dene traditional way with her family.
She met William Betthale in 1949, fell in love and married him. They had ten children and lived a traditional life on their trapline in the MacCamish Lake area. She was known as amelie, translate "one mom", to her many grandchildren. She was a very skillful, talented, strong, and responsible person. She was always about doing things she felt was right. This included getting her vaccine, her COVID19 vaccine and booster shots, to keep her and her friends safe. In her last years of her life she moved to Fort Simpson to live in the Fort Simpson longcare facility where she got to meet her old acquaintances and make some new ones.
Although she was separated from her family and lifestyle, she remained strong, getting along, and supporting her friends at the home. She always gave support to others with her laughter, encouragement, and kindness.
The family would like to thank the staff at the longterm care home for the support they offered their mother.
In her younger years she was skilled in the use of the traditional medicine and was a capable midwife who frequently helped women in childbirth. She loved telling stories. People always looked forward to her stories as they were always worth waiting for. As well, she loved singing and dancing to Dene drums.
The family would like to say mahsi for the loving and care for us all. We all one day will see you down the trail. In our hearts, we'll keep you. Mr. Speaker, she will be sadly missed by us all. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
