Apr 23, 1918 - Apr 3, 2018
Julia Elizabeth "Betty" Flower, 99, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 in Langley, B.C.
Betty was born on April 23, 1918 in Vancouver, B.C. to Julia and Guy DeBou. She had an idyllic childhood, growing up in a beautiful Kerrisdale neighbourhood in a large and close-knit family. She enjoyed ballet, piano and games of tennis on their court.
Magical days were spent at the family's summer home in Boundary Bay, these her most treasured memories of long days of swimming, crabbing and golfing on the sand. After graduating from Magee High School at the age of sixteen, she entered UBC for teacher training. Her first teaching job was at Central School in Port Coquiltam, B.C.
In 1943, she married Stan Flower and they relocated to Chilliwack in 1949. Here they raised two daughters and in 1964 she began work at the Chilliwack library.
Close to twenty happy years followed in her role as Assistant Children's Librarian and then Head Librarian. A reluctant retirement in 1983 followed, but allowed for happy winters spent in Palm Springs and much time spent with her two precious granddaughters.
Betty was an active member and teacher of the Chilliwack Tennis Club, a prolific knitter for the Red Cross for eighty years, a voracious reader and a terrific Scrabble player. Amazingly, she was still doing the New York Times daily crossword well into her '90's, along with riding her bicycle, gardening, and always keeping busy. She was an inspiration to many of a long life, well lived with decorum, dignity, integrity and grace.
Betty is survived by her daughters Judy DeVoin (Bob), Elizabeth Falconer (Dale), granddaughters Sidney Falconer (Ian), Alexandra Falconer (Shogo), her brother Alan DeBou (Pat) and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Stan Flower, mother Julia DeBou, father Guy DeBou, brother Stan DeBou and sister Gwen Beatty.
A memorial service and tea to honour Betty's life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, May 12 at St. George's Anglican Church, 9160 Church St., Fort Langley, B.C.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to Dr. Methven, the nurses and care staff of Marrwood Centre Residential Care.
Henderson's Funeral Home, Langley, in charge of arrangements.
Henderson's Funeral Home