Betty Jean Spieker's Obituary
Betty Jean Engemoen Spieker passed away May 12, 2021 in Dallas, TX.
She was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada on October 10, 1927 to Mable Celesta Hadford Engemoen and Emil Engemoen. She grew up in Calgary. Jeanne lost both her parents at a young age, but went on to become a Registered Nurse through her training at Calgary General Hospital. She worked for Trans Canada Airlines (Air Canada) in the era when flight attendants were also required to be nurses.
It was on a ski trip to Banff, Alberta that she met her future husband, Luverne John Spieker. Following their wedding in 1952, they moved to Dallas. Except for brief periods in Seattle and Germany, they lived the rest of their lives in Dallas. She developed dear friendships, some of which lasted over 60 years.
Jeanne and Verne raised three children before she returned to work as a nurse. She enjoyed working for many years at Swiss Avenue OB-GYN with Dr. Robert Gunby and staff. They were founding members of Walnut Hill Lutheran Church, which they attended for over fifty years. Jeanne and Verne volunteered at North Dallas Shared Ministries, an organization that provides food and medical care for those in need. Following retirement, she developed her skills as an artist. She was a wonderful mother, teaching her children the joys of family and friends with her kindness and self deprecating sense of humor.
She is predeceased by her parents, her brother Sgt, Donald Engemoen (RCAF), her sister Mildred Engemoen, and her husband of 63 years. She is survived by her children, Dawn Spieker Miller (Bruce), John Spieker MD, Diane Spieker MD (Rusty Brown), grandchildren Ian Miller MD (Laura), Matthew Miller, Mackenzie Brown, Devon Brown, and great-granddaughter Heidi Jean Miller.
The family wishes to thank the staff at Presbyterian Village North and Transitional Medical Care for their loving attention in her later years.
A private Memorial will be held May 15, 2021. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Planned Parenthood or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
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