March 25, 1930 – January 16, 2015
Betty passed away peacefully at Selkirk Place in Victoria on Friday, January 16, after a brief illness. A resident of Victoria since 2009, Betty was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she lived until the age of 15, before moving to Newcastle-on-Tyne where she met her future husband Dave, to whom she was married for 65 years. They and their son Alan immigrated to Canada in 1957, spending their first year in Edmonton, followed by five years in Fort St. John, where daughters Margaret and Heather were born. In 1963, they moved to Nanaimo, which was to be their home for the next 46 years, during which they formed many lasting friendships and engaged in a wide range of social activities. A genuine “people-person” at heart, Betty enjoyed many years working for various businesses in downtown Nanaimo, such as Sweet Sixteen, Brian Ball’s, Lindsay’s, Purdy’s Chocolates, and Central Drugs, and also ran her own grocery store for several years in the 1960’s. She and Dave were active members of Royal Canadian Legion in Lantzville and Branch 256 in Nanaimo, where they were involved in countless social activities. They were accomplished ballroom dancers renowned for their elegant moves on the dance floor. Passionately proud of her Scottish heritage, Betty was a lifelong enthusiast of curling, the highland games and the music of the pipes. Her zest for life saw her take to the stage as a member of Nanaimo women’s choir Sweet Adelines for several years. She was also a passionate knitter, producing an array of comfy pullovers that the members of her family wore with pride. When it came to cooking, her Yorkshire puddings and mincemeat tarts were miniature works of art. Despite failing health in later years, she retained her sense of humor and cheerful spirit to the end and brought out the best in everyone who knew her.
She is survived by husband Dave, son Alan (Yvonne), daughters Margaret (Craig) and Heather, grandchildren Domenic, Denise, Jennifer (Blair) and Shannon, along with other relatives in Canada, the USA and the UK.
No service by request. A celebration of Betty’s life will take place at a date to be determined.
Her family wishes to thank the staff on Crofton Unit at Selkirk Place for the care provided in Betty’s final years.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
www.mccallbros.com
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Grant Simpson
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Pamela and Christopher Ball Dear Heather, Margaret and Allan,
Our wishes for peace and cherished fond memories in your hearts to all of you and your families.
With Love ,
Pamela and Chris
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Vi Windley Our deepest Sympathy to all of you, Dave, Allan, Margaret and Heather.
You will miss her but she will always walk beside you and watch over you.
Love to all of you.
Vi, Rick, Gil and Barbara
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Shirley Tulloch and Chuck Simms Heather, Alan, Margaret, and Dave,
Sending you deepest sympathy on the loss of you wonderful wee mum and wife, Betty. I only met her a few times at Selkirk, but those times were filled with laughter and blethering. I’ll fondly remember her.Chuck and I are so sorry for your loss and hope that time will heal the pain of losing someone so special.
Thinking of you,
shirley and chuck
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Ian and Wan So sorry to hear about the sad loss of Auntie Betty.
Our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
I’ll always cherish my visit to Nanaimo around 2000/2001 (memory not my strong point now!). I loved every minute of it, and I was treated royally whilst there. I can say with all honesty that I wish I’d followed you out there when I was a lot younger.
Also, I’ll never forget that before Uncle Dave, Auntie Betty and Cousin Alan emigrated to Canada, it was Uncle Dave that introduced my left foot to the lump of leather used in ‘The Beautiful Game’. Until then it had been used purely for standing on and keeping my balance!
Love and best wishes
Ian and Wan
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Terry Simpson I can still hear the sound of laughter coming from the living room when our families got together. Your mom was a sweet soul.
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Jennifer Neil There are too many wonderful memories of Grandma for me to even begin. I’ll always remember her knitting room, her delicious mincemeat tarts, watching tv on her bed and her love of penguins. Her singing and giggling were always an uplifting sounds that brought a smile to my face. Even during her struggle with Alzheimer’s, she remained a true ray of sunshine.
I want to thank everyone who has posted on her site for there wonderful memories and well wishes. As a member of her family, they are much needed reminders of what a wonderful lady she was.Lots of love
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Lane family Our deepest condolences to you all at this difficult time. We’re so sorry for your loss.
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David Mulholland Our thoughts are with you all on hearing the sad news of Aunty Betty.
Best wishes to Uncle Dave, and cousins Heather, Margaret, Alan and their families.
I have good memories of my visit to Betty and Dave in
Nanaimo around 1978. I was at Art College then and my Canadian adventure inspired a
few paintings back in the
studio.
Again, best wishes from across the ocean on behalf of the branch of the family in England of Doreen (Millen) and Joe (Mulholland). I also send this for my sisters and brothers; Christine, Diane (and her family), Vincent and Conrad.
Lots of love,
Dave and Bern x
(Newcastle and London, UK)
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Ed Henderson Very sad to hear of Betty’s passing. I will always remember her hollering up the stairs at Allan during our many visits upstairs at the store. She was a great woman as all mothers are and will be greatly missed.
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cheryl clark Heather – I will always remember that day in Pedder Bay when you brought your mom and dad out for a visit in the afternoon. We had Soliel and Marley out and your mom sitting in the chair feeding them bones. She had the most amazing loving smile and was so happy. Thinking of you all.
Dan & Cheryl
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April Mathers So sorry to hear about Betty. I always enjoyed chatting with your Mom and enjoyed her great sense of humour . My sincerest sympathy to you all.
April
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Marjorie Nixon Dave Heather, Margaret, Alan, and Families
So sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. She will live on in our memories ,such a joyful, person. Please take care. Love to you all. Marjorie
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Guy Millen So sorry to hear about aunty Betty. I have such happy memories of staying with her and Dave in Nanaimo back in ’86, particularly sitting on the back deck together watching the raccoons play. She was a wonderful host and tour guide during our visit. Very best wishes to Dave and all my Canadian cousins at this difficult time. Our thoughts are with you all. Guy & Jeanet (Durham, UK)
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Lucy and Brad Roman Margaret, Craig , Heather, Alan and families
We are saddened by your loss and want to extend our sincere condolences to the entire family. Although we did not have the priviledge of meeting your mum, Margaret, we knew her through your stories and can see that many of her traits and passions have been passed on to her family. What a brave and adventurous person she was and what an interesting journey she had. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.Lucy and Brad Roman
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Judy Hanstead Hi Dave, Heather, Margaret & Alan,
I was so sad to hear of your mother’s passing, dear ~Betty Boop~ as we called her at Lions Cove, she was a joy to work with always a big smile on her face and oh how she loved to dance. & sing. I will treasure the many great memories I have of both her & Dave and the friendship I enjoyed with the 3 of you as well. Take care .
Love Judy
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Jeanne Rourke My thoughts are with you all at this difficult time. I remember visiting your parents in Nanaimo and the warmth and generosity they showed. Going to the Legion with them Enjoying the sights of the island. Memories that never fade.
My father spoke often, and with great affection, of his little sister.
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Michael Mantel I’ll never forget camping at Englishman River and having to carry Mom back up from the river!
She was such a hoot.
Wishing your family all the best and warm condolences.
Michael
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Margaret-Anne Fraser (Rourke) Auntie Betty was sadly an Auntie I never got to meet but I felt I had known her all my life thanks to Auntie Rae. At one point round 15 years ago, I planned to move to Canada for a year a regret I shall carry always! My Father Stan Auntie Betty’s youngest brother always spoke with such admiration for his dear sister that he loved very dearly. May you rest in peace dear Auntie Betty xxxx
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Deb Dunn My condolences to you all. She was a beautiful spirit and will be remembered fondly by all whom she touched.
Love and hugs to you all.
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Sandra & Randy Cody Margaret, Craig, and Family,
Our thoughts are with you all during this difficult and sad time. Your Mum sounds like an amazing person and we know your wonderful memories will be treasures you will keep forever.
Love,
Sandra & Randy
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Jacquie Louie My deepest sympathies for your loss. I am very proud to have had the pleasure of meeting your Mom. Her sense of humour still brings giggles to my heart. Rest in peace.
I was sad to hear about Betty. I have often wondered how you all were doing and what you’ve been up to.
If you’d like to connect, please drop an email.
I loved your mom very much. She was a funny, fun and crazy part of my young life in Nanaimo.
Love Grant Simpson