Born October 8, 1929 – Died April 4, 2014
We are saddened by the passing of Betty Kelly on April 4, 2014. She leaves to mourn her loving husband of 60 years, Pat; children, Patricia Smith (Lee), Ann Smreciu, Joe (Karen), Eileen Sled (Greg), Paul (Renee), Peter (Karen), Margaret (Mike), and Shelagh Scholtens (Mike); grandchildren Tim (Natalie) and Greg Smith, Olivia and Nathan Smreciu, Arli (Ryan) Kelly, Kasey (Tyler) Field, Shannon Sled, Miranda and Rachel Kelly, and Jamie Kelly; and great-grandchildren Huxley Percy and Sofia Field. Betty will also be missed by sisters, Peggy Mudge and Nancy Erickson; brother, Jim (Adele) Mudge and many nieces, cousins, friends and neighbours. She was predeceased by her parents, Annie and William Mudge; son Bill; son-in-law, Nick Smreciu; sister Patsy, and brother Reverend Bill Mudge.
Betty was born in Duncan, BC. She trained as a nurse in Victoria, BC at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing, a career she pursued until marrying Pat in 1953. Her next career was mother to her nine children, as well as to many others who came by way of foster care, international student exchange programs and child care. Although quiet by nature, Betty enjoyed time spent with family and friends, taking in the stories and laughter of others. She was involved in all aspects of her children’s schooling and devoted many years to the Girl Guides and Boy Scouts.
Betty and Pat travelled to the United Kingdom on a few occasions, as well as to locations across Canada and the United States, to visit family and research their family trees. They, along with Shelagh, kept the family history alive with their genealogy work. Betty’s grandchildren will now have the legacy of her scrapbooks over which she so lovingly laboured.
The family sincerely thanks all of the doctors, nurses and volunteers at the Victoria Hospice Palliative Care Unit for the care and dignity they gave Betty in her final days.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12, at St. Elizabeth’s Church, Sidney, BC. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation. Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
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Cathie & Ron Nicholson
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Mary and Lyle Garraway We are very sorry to hear of Betty’s passing. We always enjoyed her company and give our condolences to Pat and family.
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Doreen Paulsen Dear Pat and the entire Kelly clan;
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. A lovely lady who will indeed be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing her.
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Paul Kelly A great loss to our family. Dad please lean on us in your time of need.
We have known Pat and Shelagh from the Victoria Genealogical Society for a number of years. Cathie and I offer our heartfelt condolences to the entire family for your loss. May your many fond memories of Janet comfort you through this period of grief.
Sincerely,
Cathie & Ron Nicholson, Victoria, BC