October 13, 2022
We are grieving the loss of our Mom, Betty, following her passing last week on October 13, 2022. What is there to say that truly quantifies a life so fully lived. Mom and Dad were married for 47 years when he passed away leaving Mom to find a path forward without him. She was still young, and chose to make the most of her new reality as she traveled the world with enthusiasm and curiosity. She visited Ireland, Italy, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, The Eastern European Waterways, The Panama Canal, New York, The Maritime Provinces, Quebec, Turkey and Croatia, to name a few of her favourites.
Mom spent her early married years as a homemaker, and felt most at home cooking, baking, canning and sewing. She was a meticulous quilter and read at least a million books. In her later years, she enjoyed lots of time on the beaches and trails of Maui and Vancouver Island, she volunteered her time for 20 + years with the Hospital Service League, and absolutely loved her flower garden.
Mom was very sad to leave behind her children: Cheryl (Chad, Kailie & Johan + Silas, Rebecca , Noah, Trish, Tyler, Jade, Sophonie, Mikki, Maggie & Francky), Kara (Liv & Shoayb), Bobby (Soleil & Sara) and her sisters: Donna, Beverly, (Guy) & Joanne, Sisters-in-law; Laura (Geordie), Hilde, Erna, Shirley & Vera (Bill) as well as many nieces, nephews, neighbours and dear friends.
Mom requested that there be no service, so we will honour her wishes. She most enjoyed the visits that happened while she was still here with us, in the flesh.
Pancreatic cancer is a horrid thing. It took Mom, as it did her own Mom, with no mercy and no kindness, but we have so many good memories to carry us past the recent experience of her suffering. Now, she suffers no more.
Thank you to everyone who sent words of kindness and comfort, cards, flowers, meals and treats that have made the days since she left us a little more tolerable.
Not gone, just away.
We love you Mom.