Betzi Medis-Canard, strong, generous woman
Betzi Medis-Canard passed away Monday, July 15, 2024, at her home in Lewes, with her loving sister, Kymberly Medis Alvarado, by her side.
In addition to her sister, Betzi is survived by brother-in-law, James “Bud” Canard; three stepchildren, Cathy Canard Pasquariello (Aldo), Beth Canard (Jamie Rasin) and Russell Canard (Emily); 10 grandchildren; and a wealth of friends, including Debra, Karen, Nancy, Bud, Rosanne, Libby, Bea and Midge.
Betzi was born June 3, 1958, in Pittsburgh, Pa., to Richard Martin Medis and Martha Wyke Medis. Only 16 months apart, she and her sister were very close from the beginning. Betzi’s mother passed away in 1967 and her father in 1969. She fell in love with Dewey and Rehoboth Beach, where her family would spend happy times in the summer. Betzi had many jobs as a young teen but the one she enjoyed the most was working in bars and restaurants, and she became well-known as a bartender in the local bars and made many friends.
She graduated from Villa Maria High School in 1979 and then attended Marymount University in Virginia. Betzi continued working at the beach in the summers and moved full time to the area in 1979. She began her graduate degree at Wilmington University, earned a master’s in business administration and human resource management, and pursued careers in both fields. Betzi worked for 15 years at Fellowship Health Resources and another 14 years at Horizon House Health. She loved her work and everyone she worked with.
In 1999, she married Roger Lee Canard and immediately endeared herself to his three adult children, spending happy occasions with them and their families, and remembering each of 10 grandchildren with gifts for every birthday and holiday. She was a consummate hostess, and loved having parties, holiday dinners and get-togethers, even if they weren’t hers!
Betzi will be remembered for her passion for Frank Sinatra songs and karaoke, the color brown, her quick wit, her generosity, a heart filled with unconditional love, and most of all her spirit and strength.
A celebration of her life will be held in the fall.
“I Did It My Way” by Frank Sinatra:
And now the end is near
And so I face the final curtain
My friend, I'll say it clear
I'll state my case, of which I'm certain
I've lived a life that's full
I traveled each and every highway
And more, much more than this
I did it my way.
Visit Betzi’s Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
