Rankin Inlet (Oct 15/03) - Betsy Kalaserk-Kirby, 29, is described by family members as a caring person who lived life to its fullest.

Kalaserk-Kirby was found dead in her Yellowknife apartment on Sept. 30.

Her husband, Ian Adam Kirby, 59, has been charged with second-degree murder in her death.

She leaves behind a seven-year-old son.

A memorial service for Kalaserk-Kirby was held in Rankin Inlet on Oct. 8.

Her brother, Jerry Kalaserk, still found it difficult to talk about his sister, but said her death was a tremendous loss to the family. "Betsy was just a lovely person," said Kalaserk. "She was very outgoing. She loved and lived life to the fullest."

Kalaserk-Kirby's niece, Laura Kowmuk, spoke at the memorial service.

She said Kalaserk-Kirby treated everybody the same, no matter what their background.

"Betsy (Kalaserk-Kirby) was a very caring person who saw people for who they were, not the colour of their skin or their social standing," said Kowmuk.

"She loved to spend time with her nieces and nephews, taking them out for rides, buying them gifts, stuff like that. She always enjoyed the company of her aunts and uncles, and would encourage everyone to look at the bright side of things, especially the elders."

Kowmuk said Kalaserk-Kirby's family in Rankin didn't really find out what had happened until Oct. 3. She said the time in-between was a painful experience for the family.

"One of the things that hurt us all the most were all the innuendos going around before anyone found out for sure what had happened. We still haven't been told how she died. Nothing. It's a very empty feeling and there's no closure for us."

Kowmuk said she feels bad over the fact there was no memorial service in Yellowknife for her aunt.

She said Kalaserk-Kirby spoke a lot about her friends in Yellowknife.

"Betsy always made friends easily. She was like a confidant to a lot of people because they could tell her anything."