Born on October 8, 1911, Betty died peacefully at Royal Jubilee Hospital on October 21, 2010, almost two weeks into her 100th year. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond and leaves to mourn her passing, her relatives in England; her daughter-in-law, Jean Weller and her good friends in Victoria. Betty was born and raised in Derbyshire, England and came to Canada as a young girl with her widowed mother. Her adventurous life began with a brief stay on a small ranch in the hills above Kamloops but most of her life was spent in Vancouver and Victoria. Her career in high-end fashion retail was varied and the source of many stories. She worked in the best shops in Victoria and was at one time, leather goods buyer for Birks. Her private life was equally colourful; she liked to say that she had been engaged five times but never made it to the altar until she met Raymond when she was 83. Their time together was not long but it was happy. They were able to travel and to enjoy an active social life at the Union Club. Betty was a dancer. She danced on the stage in Vancouver in ballets and musicals and she danced on cruise ships. She retained her dramatic good looks and high kicking ability well into her 90’s. She never lost her sense of style and was always beautifully dressed. Betty had a remarkable ability to make friends; it seemed that everyone she encountered went out of their way to help her. Her delivered groceries were unpacked, bottle tops loosened, waitresses sat down to chat with her and her professional advisors made home visits. She was a tiny force of nature with a sharp tongue, very definite ideas, a sharp mind, a love of life and much charm. She will be missed.
Funeral Service will be held in the Lady Chapel of Christ Church Cathedral, Quadra at Courtney Streets, on Wednesday, October 27, 2010 at 11:00 am. Interment to follow at Royal Oak Burial Park. Condolences may be offered at www.mccallbros.com.
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Ann Lockyer-Cotter
All of the staff at the White Heather Tea Room will sincerely miss our visits with Mrs. Weller. She was a witty, charming and classy lady. Her bubbly personality radiated warmth. Victoria has lost a true gem with her passing .
Our sympathy is extended to her family and close friends. We know how much you will miss her.
The staff at the White Heather Tea Room