On September 2, 2014, Betty left us to join her husband, Frank, who has been waiting for her for over 42 years. She leaves her son, Alan of Nanaimo; her daughter, Frances of Mill Bay and her niece/daughter, Janice Laidlaw of Victoria. She is survived by her sisters, Mary (Maisie) Riddle of Abbeyfield Manor in Victoria and Margaret (Peg) McDonald of Bozeman Montana. She was predeceased by her sister, Janet Laidlaw of Victoria in 1960. Betty was born on March 20th, 1915 to Robert and Janet Grimes in Revelstoke BC.  At the age of 12, she moved with her family to Nelson BC.  At 18, she enrolled in the Royal Jubilee Hospital School of Nursing, graduating in1937. While working in her chosen profession, she met and married Dr. John Malcolm MacKinnon in 1939. In 1942 Betty delivered her son Alan at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. Her marriage broke up soon after and she divorced Dr. MacKinnon in 1945. After her divorce, Betty enrolled in the University of British Columbia where she completed her Registered Nursing Degree in 1946. Soon after her graduation, she was hired as the school nurse for the Oak Bay School Board, a position she held until 1953. In 1952 Betty met and married Frank William Benton of Victoria and in 1953, she delivered their daughter, Frances Mary Benton, once again at Jubilee Hospital. She retired and spent the next 19 years as a stay at home mother and wife. Frank Benton died of a cardiac arrest in 1972 and Betty never showed romantic interest in any man for the rest of her life. Betty was a dedicated member of the congregation of the Anglican Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Oak Bay for the past 56 years. She wrote an early history of St. Mary’s.  For many years she was a member of the choir and was loved and admired by many of her fellow parishioners. She was a staunch ally and friend to those she admired and an unrelenting opponent of those she did not, especially an ersatz German “Baron” who dared to try and appropriate a treasured property of the Anglican Church Women. Many will fondly remember Betty’s many kindnesses and mourn her passing.

A funeral service will be held at St Mary’s Anglican Church on Elgin Road in Oak Bay on Thursday, September 11th , 2014 at 11 am.  Come and help us celebrate a life well lived.  Condolences may be offered to the family below.

 

McCall Bros. Funeral Home

www.mccallbros.com.

 

  • Susan MacRae

    My Mum Doris Haywood-Farmer nee Hibberson (aka Hibbie) was a nursing friend of your Mum’s and when my Mum came to Victoria to visit us, she often visited Betty. I would go along for the visits and came to know Betty that way. What a vital woman she was, even in her very senior years. I remember her red boat of a car swooping around Oak Bay and the day she told me that it had burned up at a gas station!! That was a colourful account I’ll tell you.
    I knew her in her house on Windsor, then on Lyn Crescent and finally at Shannon Oaks. When I went to St. Mary’s church I always sought her out for a wee visit, she was such fun to talk to. My Mum who died in 2002 will be ready and waiting for a big visit in heaven. Boy those old nurses could really enjoy a great visit.
    My condolences on the loss of your Mum. They don’t make them any better than her.
    Sue MacRae, Granite Street

  • Bev & John McInerney

    Dear Al & Fran: So sorry to hear of your mother’s death. She was a remarkable lady. Bev & John McInerney

  • Ann Scarfe

    I remember your Mom from the many years ago when we worked together. She was always full of spark and wit, and I know you inherited those same qualities. A wonderful lady who lived a good life.
    Hugs to you all, Ann

  • Dorothy Wing

    Betty, indeed, was a lovely lady who made a difference to many in life. She also loved her dogs and took very good care of them. It was a pleasure to know her. Dorothy

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