Mardel Linda O'Byrne

Mardel O’Byrne (Betke): Mardel was born in Russell, Manitoba, on June 1st, 1948, the first child of Leo and Wilma (Schappert) Betke. She was baptized as an infant into the Lutheran Church and reaffirmed later during her Confirmation. Mardel was brought up on the family farm where she spent a good number of years along with her siblings Cynthia, Garth, Rea and Ward.

Mardel received her elementary education at Echo School and attended high school in Langenburg. After graduation in 1966, she moved to Regina to train as a nurse at the Regina General Hospital.

            Upon completing her studies in 1969, Mardel continued working at the General Hospital. It was there in 1970 where she caught the attention of one of her patients, Alan O’Byrne. The following spring on April 17th, 1971, they were married at Christ Lutheran Church in Langenburg.

            While living in Regina, Alan was transferred to Moose Jaw and Mardel worked as a Nurse at the Moose Jaw Union Hospital. In 1973, Alan was once again transferred, this time to Swift Current, where Mardel worked as a registered nurse at the Swift Current Union Hospital. It was here that she welcomed the couple's first child, a son, Scott, born in 1974. The following year the family was once again on the move, this time to Fernie, B.C. It was there that Mardel’s second son, Trevor was born in 1976.

            By 1977, the opportunity to own their own business, mixed with their desire to be closer to home, led the family back to Langenburg.  She supported the family business, Al-Mar Tire, over the course of 30 years. While raising their family, Mardel started working at the Langenburg Union Hospital. In 1978 she began working at the Langenburg Special Care Home. She was recognized with a Long Service Award and retired in 2013.

Over the course of her life, Mardel dedicated herself to family, friends and community. She was part of and volunteered with many organizations, from the Scouting Association, various sports teams, music festivals and most recently the Langenburg Thrift Store. In her spare time she especially enjoyed being outside in her garden, baking, reading and cross stitch.

            In October 2009 Mardel was blessed with a granddaughter. Becoming a grandmother quickly became her focus. She loved spending time with Rachel out in the yard, riding on the garden tractor, and playing in the basement. It was at this time that she could finally indulge her desire to buy sparkly pink gifts.

            Throughout her later years Mardel took great pride in her home and yard, winning many awards for her beautiful Christmas light displays. She enjoyed spending time with her husband Alan, and remained devoted to caring for him until his passing in February of 2019.

Mardel became ill in the spring of 2024 and spent the remaining weeks of her life at the Langenburg Care Home. She was lovingly cared for by the staff until her passing on June 23rd, surrounded by close family and friends. She was released into the Lord’s hands.

            Mardel was predeceased by her husband of 47 years Alan, her brother Garth Betke and brother-in-law Gerald Fingas. She is survived by her two sons, Scott, Trevor (Courtney), and her granddaughter Rachel, as well as her siblings, Cynthia Fingas, Rea (Gordon) Holovach, and Ward (Jenny) Betke, in-laws Ivy Betke, Shirley (Barry) Dornian, and Carol (Stan) Purves as well as many nieces and nephews.