May 17, 1939 - April 6, 2013
Betty passed away peacefully with her family by her side after a long illness at Christenson Village Care Facility in Gibsons, B.C., on April 6, 2013. Predeceased by her father (Merlin), mother (Margaret) and brother (Robert), she is lovingly remembered by her husband Frank who made her laugh for 47 years; her children John (Roberta) and Kirsten (Edward Duynstee); grandchildren Grace, Abby and Molly; sister Helen Collinge (Wayne); nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and many close friends.
Betty was born in Vancouver in 1939, the middle daughter to Merlin and Margaret Simpson, a sister to Robert and Helen. A bright student at Magee High School, Betty graduated a year ahead of her peers. Betty received her CPS certification in 1959. This was followed by an exciting career as an executive secretary at CP Air from 1959 to 1971. While working at CP Air, Betty fuelled her adventurous spirit by extensively travelling the world. Many trips were made independently, with friends and with Frank to Europe, Central and South America, Asia, the South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand and North America, with Hawaii holding a special place in her heart. Betty married the love of her life, Frank, in Vancouver in 1967. They moved to North Vancouver in 1970, settling on Hampshire Road in 1972 for the next 35 years. It was there that they spent some of their happiest years together with so many kids for John and Kirsten to play with, great friends and fabulous parties! It was a very special street on which to raise a family. When John and Kirsten came along, Betty put her career on hold to become a full-time mom, or rather, her version of a full-time mom. During her 12 year ‘hiatus’ from the professional world, Betty played an integral role bringing French immersion to North Vancouver schools. Kirsten was in the first class to go through the immersion program beginning in 1978. A busy hockey mom, Betty passionately followed John’s hockey career from the time he started skating at age three. When she wasn’t shuttling her kids to their various activities, she was a dedicated volunteer at both Cleveland Elementary School and Canyon Heights School and later the United Way.
In 1983, Betty returned to the work force with Transport Canada as the Regional Coordinator for Employment Equity and later an Accounting Officer for the Human Resource Department. In 1991, she retired from Transport Canada to attend to her declining health. Betty’s joy came from Frank’s humour, her children, her grandchildren, travelling the world, the symphony, reading, good food, fine art, summers in the Okanagan surrounded by family and friends, engaging in great conversation and, above all, a good laugh. In 2007, Betty and Frank moved to the Sunshine Coast to enjoy a slower pace of life, and a killer view of the ocean.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bella Hughan, the exceptional staff at St. Mary’s Hospital, Totem Lodge and Christenson Village Care Facility where she spent her final years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Diabetes Association or the charity of your choice. There will be a private, family gathering at a later date.