My favourite Betty memory: We were at Betty's son Verne and my sister Deb's wedding, as the only two guests. Betty and I were honoured to serve as not only mother of the groom, and maid of honour - but also, flower girls, bridesmaids, and most importantly - official witnesses. It was a priviledge to stand tall beside Betty at this important moment of their lives.

As Christmas gets closer, my favourite memories of Betty get more vivid. When I moved to BC over 20 years ago, Betty immediately welcomed me (her daughter-in-law Debbie's sister) into her home and family, and quickly became my “adopted mom”. For the past 20+ years, Christmas has always included a gathering of family and friends at Betty’s home—every one of those gatherings a cherished memory of Betty and her love and warmth. I so miss her presence now, but will always hold those memories very close.

I always said I won the mom-in-law lottery. Betty was a second mom to my kids for many years when they were in school and I was working. And she was my second mom, especially after I lost my own mom. I feel blessed to have lived so close by and spent so many hours with Betty - talking, laughing, hugging, eating fudgy-wudgy ice cream cones, and watching our PBS detective shows. I have lost the physical presence of a best friend, mentor and role model, but her wisdom, joy and love will always be with me.