March 10, 1938 - February 5, 2025
In loving memory ~
"Live the life you love and love the life you live"
Betty-Marie; daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother and a friend to all.
It is with sadness that our family share the news of Mom's passing. She is pre-deceased by her son John and her husband Frank, survived by children David (Cora), Anne-Marie (Syd), Christine (Colin), grandchildren Bryan, Ashley, Steven, Adam, Ben, Lauren, Dorothy and great grandchildren, Oliver, Blair, Watson, Brantley, Alex and Tesla
Betty, the first child of John and Marion Anderson, was born at MSA Hospital in Abbotsford. She grew up on the family dairy farm with her sisters, Ann and Lorraine, attending Matsqui Elementary and graduating from Abby Senior in 1956. Life on the farm was challenging due to her parents' health issues. At just 10 years old, Betty helped move and milk cows during the 1948 Fraser River flood. Her early experiences shaped her into a skilled farmer with a keen sense for animals and business. One of her proudest moments was representing Matsqui as a 4H Ambassador at a conference in Ontario at age 16, foreshadowing her adventurous spirit.
At 19, Betty left the farm for city life in Vancouver, quickly finding a job and becoming self-sufficient. It was at her second job that she met Frank, the love of her life. They married in 1958, bought their first home in Langley, and soon had four children. The family moved back to Matsqui to take over the family dairy farm, where Betty's natural talents shone. She managed the farm, raised her children, and was active in various community activities, including B.C. Dairy Women, Matsqui Lutheran Church and the Abbotsford Arts Council.
Betty and Frank retired in 1993, moving to Abbotsford. In retirement, Betty discovered her talent for pottery; attending a high level pottery summer school in Victoria, learning among many things, the chemistry of clay and glazes and using this knowledge to create many pieces for family and friends.
Betty also had a natural talent for fishing, enjoying many days at their second home at Watch Lake in the Cariboo. Spending hours on the lake and in all weather conditions, she knew every tie, every spot the fish hid, the temperature of the water and where to drill holes for ice fishing. Her instinct and knowledge were undeniable, and she enjoyed sharing this with her grandchildren
A true adventurer, Betty never turned down an opportunity to explore. As Frank did not like to travel abroad, she made trips on her own to New Zealand to visit Anne-Marie and Nicaragua to visit her sister Lorraine. She made it a point to attend as many recitals, hockey tournaments, swim meets, and graduations that her grandchildren participated in, cherishing every moment. She became a member of the Red Hat Society and attended plays, movies, musicals, shopping trips, gardens, and teas. She loved invitations to parties and enjoyed hosting them even more. Anywhere there was something to explore, she was there. She lived this right up to the last week of her life.
Betty's greatest natural talent was connecting with people, always ready to make a new friend. She loved to tell stories and engage in conversation. We could always count on her to make a friend on whatever adventure she was on.
Betty was deeply spiritual and in her final days, she knew she was being called home and she said she was ready to be with Frank. We are comforted knowing they are dancing together again.
Mom will be missed by everyone, but she left us all with an abundance of memories. Life should not just be lived... it should be celebrated.
Please join us to celebrate Betty-Marie
Saturday March 29th, Peace Lutheran Church, 2029 Ware St Abbotsford
Doors open 1:00 pm, Service at 1:30 pm, light refreshments and fellowship to follow at the church
"Everything is possible for one who believes'
Mark 9:23
Service Details
1:30 PM