Betsy was born in Dundonald, Ayrshire, Scotland to parents, Alexander and Elizabeth Hendry on August 21st, 1936 and died peacefully at home in Vernon, B.C. Canada on November 1st, 2016.
Betsy and Ian were married on October 3rd, 1959 in Dundonald, Scotland and enjoyed motor biking all over Scotland, England and Wales until the birth of their daughter Elizabeth in 1964, followed by son Ian in 1968. The family emigrated to Canada in 1975 to join Betsy’s brother and sister as fellow Canadians. Betsy was the kindest, gentlest soul you would ever meet. She was loved by many and considered a surrogate Mum by lots of people. Her door was always open for any who needed a hand and took in all the strays we dragged home. She loved to curl, knit, swim and bake. The house was always well stocked with fresh goodies. Betsy put others first before herself and we will cherish the years of memories we had with her in Scotland and Canada.
Betsy leaves behind to mourn, her husband Ian, to whom she was married for 57 years; her daughter, Elizabeth; her son, Ian (Linda); the “apples of her eye” – her grandchildren, Erica, Willem and Cormac; her sister, Nan of Toronto, Ontario; her brother, Alex in Scotland; in-laws who Mum considered as her brothers and sisters, Robert, Diane, Jenny, Sheila, Helen, Margaret and Gavin; her nieces and nephews, Janice, Beth, Robin, Carlene, Jane, Sandra, Michael, Iain, Carolyn, Allen, Stuart, Simon, Paul and Steven and their families; as well as all the Blackwoods in Scotland. Betsy (China) also cherished her friendship with Fiona and their long blethers on the phone. Also our neighbours from Scotland to Chilliwack: Wilma, Martin, Alexis, Jonathan and families. All her dear friends in Vernon and Scotland and last but not least, her beloved cats Tigger, Cadee and her dog Chico will miss Betsy very much. Betsy was preceded in death by her parents, two brothers, Jim and Bill and her brother-in-law, Alex.
Mum wanted to be at home and spent her last few weeks looking out the window at her precious garden that she loved so much. Special thanks to Ken and Teresa Barker, Gavin and Brie, Charla, Cheryl Stead and all the friends who stopped by in Mum’s last weeks with us.
Betsy requested that no fuss be made upon her death so to respect her wishes, she was cremated and no Funeral Service will be held. Instead, we would like to invite you to a “Tea Party” to honour her life which will take place in the Sierra Room of the Village Green Hotel on Saturday, November 12th, 2016 at 2:00 P.M. We hope that everyone whose lives were touched by Mum will join us on that day for a cup of tea and goodies.
These are my mountains, And this is my glen
The days of my childhood, I’ll see them again.
No land will ever tempt me, Nor far will I roam
For these are my mountains, And I am going home.
As an expression of sympathy, those who wish to do so may send donations in memory of Betsy to Paws It Forward Dog Rescue, 375 Peck Road, Kelowna, B.C. V1X 4R1, the Okanagan Humane Society or the charity of their choice.
MUM, “You were simply the best, better than all the rest.” We will always miss you.
Cremation arrangements have been made with BETHEL FUNERAL CHAPEL LTD., 5605-27th Street, Vernon, B.C. V1T 8Z5 • 250-542-1187