It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Betty (Bergliot) Eldbjorg Anderson (Charstad) on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Betty is survived by her loving husband, Dr. Morris Anderson, their daughter Susan and husband Glen of Brandon, MB, their daughters Ingrid & Anya; their son Stephen and wife Jennifer of Wolfville, NS, their children Sophia, Ben and Elena; and son Philip. She is predeceased by sister Greta Dahlman and survived by sister Ruth Zelinski and loving nieces, nephews, and their families.

Betty was born February 15, 1929, daughter of Elfrieda Thomassen and Bertheus Kjarstad (later anglicized to Charstad) of Norway, who immigrated to Prince Rupert, BC. Hers was the only family in Canada; she didn't meet her larger Norwegian family until she was 52. Later, in the early years of WWII, the family moved to Saskatchewan, first to Moose Jaw and then settled permanently in Saskatoon.

Betty is a graduate of Nutana Collegiate and Robertson Secretarial School in Saskatoon, and the Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute (CLBI) of Camrose, AB. She had wonderful memories and lifelong friends from her time at CLBI. As a student, Betty worked with the President as the secretarial assistant. After graduation, Betty was called as Parish Worker to Zion Lutheran Church in 1951, her family's home congregation. Next, she was called to be Parish Worker at First Lutheran Church in Vancouver, BC and Saskatoon, SK – she worked with the youth, led choirs, worked closely with the Pastor and visited parishioners. She loved the work and was loved in return.

During her time in Vancouver, Betty became engaged to Morris Anderson and was married in August of 1954 in Saskatoon. Morris was a teacher at Bedford Road Collegiate in Saskatoon, and in 1955, accepted an English teaching position at Luther College in Regina, SK, where they built their long careers. In 1964, Morris became Principal at Luther College, necessitating a move to the Principal's residence, where Betty's interior design talents shone. Luther College was absolutely Betty's career as well. As the Principal's (and later the President's) wife, she excelled at planning and hosting in her home the many events associated with their work at Luther. She was ever a gracious host. Her decades of work were recognized by Luther College in the naming of a new building on the Luther University campus: the Anderson Wing, officially named for Morris and Betty Anderson.

Betty was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church in Regina, where she was in the first graduating class of the Stephen's Ministry. Betty had a talent for reaching out to others to bring people together. She was a founding member of the interdenominational Christian Women's Club of Regina, serving as its first chairperson. She made dear friends in this group of diverse women leaders.

Betty & Morris retired to the treasured family cottage at Camp Kinasao at Christopher Lake, SK in 1992. The family spent summers at the cottage, forming lifelong memories and bonds. The grandchildren followed, attending the same camp as their parents and grandmother, swimming, boating, and enjoying time with the extended family.

In 2023, Betty & Morris moved to Brandon, MB to be closer to family, where daily visits were possible and provided precious time together.

Betty was a talented pianist with a lovely touch and a fine soprano voice, and instilled in her children the love of classical music. Artistic and creative, she designed her houses to be beautiful, welcoming and 'koselig'- Betty's favourite word, the Norwegian word for cozy. People so enjoyed coming into her homes and relaxing.
In the condolences the family received, these words repeatedly were used to describe Betty: gracious, gentle, kind, generous, caring, lovely, supportive, and warm.

As our cousin said: "As those of us here are saddened, our relatives in heaven are rejoicing…what a reunion it will be!"

To honour Betty's wishes, there will be a small family memorial service in Saskatchewan in the summer.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Luther College, Regina, SK at https://www.luthercollege.edu/high-school/giving/donate-now .

Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
John 14:27 NKJV