The angels came quietly to take Betty Mae Lindstrom from the arms of her two daughters at her home on March 17, 2006.
Betty was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor on December 19, 2005.
Although saddened, shocked, and darn choked, knowing her active life would be shortened, she took the bull by the horns and got all of her legal affairs in order, as advised.
Between trips to Kelowna for treatment, she lovingly opened her door at her home at Terra Ridge to all of her dear friends.
Her daughters barely left her side and let her take charge every step of the way. Betty kept her sense of humour until the end.
Betty even wrote her own eulogy and this is what she wrote of her favorite things: 1. Family and good friends, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; 2. Music, Nutcracker Suite, Richard Clayderman, Celine Dion and Elton John. 3. TV shows, Regis and Kelly, Oprah, Bones, and House.
Her favorite slogan was “One day at a time” and her favorite saying was “You Betcha!”
She was full of life.
Born in Burnaby, B.C., on March 25, 1931, as a young girl Betty was very active and outgoing enjoying basketball, baseball and skiing. She lived in Hope, B.C. from 1959 to 1971, and then moved to Williams Lake.
She was a very active member of the Williams Lake community and worked at many businesses in town including Sweet Sixteen, The Chilcotin Inn, Pauline’s Ladies Wear and The Handi Mart. She loved curling and golf for many years and as a senior she took up bowling too.
She loved knitting and playing cards with her friends. She also volunteered in the community in many different organizations including the Seniors’ Activity Centre, Sunset Manor and she was a proud member of Elder College.
Betty loved keeping busy. At 70 years of age she picked up a paint brush and discovered yet another passion.
Her family always knew that Betty was creative but they never thought she’d become quite the little artist. She found painting very therapeutic too. She’d paint for hours on end.
Betty touched the lives of many people and it really showed at her memorial service as there were over 200 people who attended.
Betty leaves behind daughters, Wendy (Lloyd) from Kelowna, and Vicki (Terry); five granddaughters, Melanie, Sonya, Candice, Courtney, and Megan; also five great-grandchildren, Kristen, Matthew, Tyler, Jaraco, and newborn, Kamryn.
She leaves her sisters Rena (Dick), Pearl (Neil), Shirley (Larry) and many nieces and nephews.
Betty was predeceased by her son, Terry, and husband Oliver; partner Roy; sister Kay; and parents Ernie and Nellie Cochran.
The family would like to give special thanks to Dr. Glenn Fedor, the Home Care Nurses, Home Support Workers, Hospice, Rev. Jenny Carter, Luc La Prairie and all of Betty’s special friends for all of their love and support.