Betty was born January 17, 1922 in New Denver and died December 9, 2015.
She is survived by her sons Doug (Holly) of Quesnel, Blair of Trail, Stuart (Diana) of Silverton, daughters Cindy (Walt) of Quesnel, Penny (Mike) of Nanaimo, 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her one remaining sibling, Mildred (Millie) Spence of Minto House in Nakusp. Millie will be turning 100 years young in March.
Betty was born in New Denver and raised in Annabelle. After she became a registered nurse at St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in 1942. After graduation she nursed in Penticton then returned to Slocan and worked in the Japanese hospital. She met and married Gord Nelson in 1948. They spent the rest of their lives in Silverton raising their 5 children. Betty was a true care giver and loved helping those in need. She was a shy, quiet lady who often kept to herself (in contrast to husband Gord). She was a good friend to those special few. She could be counted on to help and support her community when asked. She loved cross country skiing with her close friends and could throw a good lead curling rock. She loved the beach in the summer and enjoyed talking with her grandchildren of her days of swimming across Slocan Lake. She would recite her old time songs and rhymes which the older grandkids still remember today. Betty was well known for her homemade bread, biscuits and baked beans.
We will miss Mom. Knowing she is now at peace with Dad makes our loss a little easier. Our sincere thanks and appreciation go to the staff at Minto House for all the loving care given to our Mom.
There will not be a memorial service. Donations may be made to the B.C. Children’s Hospital in her memory. Mom and Dad were lifelong supporters of this institution. www.bcchildrens.ca