Betty passed away peacefully at Victoria Hospice after a lengthy (and determined!) battle with cancer.
Betty was born in Spalding, Sask, the third daughter to Gwen and Arthur Masters. Though born into depression years, they enjoyed a happy family life and all the activities of a small prairie town.
In 1944, having endured enough prairie winters, her family moved to the coast and settled in Duncan, where Betty completed her last two years of high school. After training in Victoria, Betty and sister Joan went back to Duncan to teach at Duncan Elementary in 1947.
In 1954, Betty, then married, moved to Victoria and began teaching at Frank Hobbs Elementary in Cadboro Bay. And thus began an over sixty year relationship with the Cadboro Bay community.
Ten years later, then divorced, she married Hector Alexander, a widower with two children, Lesley and Mark, both of whom had been her students at Frank Hobbs. Betty was grateful for her ready made family. Later came grandson Alex, a happy addition!
Following Hector’s death in 1999, Betty kept busy with her life at St Georges, where she had joined the choir in 1954. She was also a long time member of Uplands Golf Club, having joined in 1954 (this was obviously a pivotal year in Betty’s life!) and was Ladies Captain in 1975. She loved the game and the special friends she made at Uplands.
In 2007, Betty married David Crabbe, a long time friend who was widowed. This added to her family with Deborah, Pat, their spouses and children Ruby and Daniel.
Betty was predeceased by David in 2011 and her sister Joan Guthrie in 2014.
She is remembered by family Mark Alexander (Deb), Lesley Anderson (Dave), Deborah Carriere (Gilles), Pat Crabbe (Lil), and their children Alex, Daniel, Ruby, Allison, Erik, Tristin and Baylie, her sister Mary Owens and nephew and niece Ross & Janine Guthrie.
Betty will also be remembered by her family at St George’s and many, many friends. Betty was such a wonderful person…we are all the poorer for her passing, but so much richer for having had her in our lives.
Betty’s family is grateful for the excellent care and compassion she received over these past 10 years. Dr Irvin Pathak and his receptionist Dawn, always available and supportive, Dr Jamie Kaukinen and staff, the BC Cancer Clinic, the whole medical team at RJH 7 South and the VIHA Royal Oak Health Care Unit
– Home & Community Care…with special thanks to nurses
Stephanie and Shelley who made her home health care such a treat. In addition, we cannot adequately express our appreciation to Victoria Hospice. Every member of this amazing team provided compassionate, loving care. We especially thank Dr Gail, nurses Susan, Madeleine, Shirley and counsellor Michelle for their empathy and guidance through Betty’s final journey.
A celebration of her life will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, March 19th, 2016 at St. George’s Anglican Church, 3909 St. George’s Lane, Victoria, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Victoria Hospice or Canada Cancer Society – Cancer Research.