In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness we announce Elizabeth Valentine Rogers passed away peacefully in Comox mid-August 2024 in her 95th year. Betty was predeceased by her parents, William and Drusilla, her husband Larry, her two brothers Phillip and John, and her dear sister, Beryl. Betty leaves behind her six children Penny (Ed), Geoff (Lana), Pam (Alan), Mary (Liza), Dru (Ron), and Amy (Trace) and 20 grandchildren.
Betty was born in Chilliwack and raised on a small farm in Sardis, BC. Growing up, one memorable moment was being crowned May Queen at Sardis Elementary. Betty spent many happy summers at the family cabin at Cultus Lake.
After high school graduation, Betty had a lifelong love of learning and had a sharp mind. From an early age Betty was a rescuer and caretaker. She went on to study nursing at St Paul's Hospital in Vancouver where she met Kit, Martha, and Joan who would become lifelong friends. On the weekends the young students would often hitchhike to Cultus Lake for summer fun.
After earning her nursing degree, Betty was a compassionate and dedicated RN. She kept her St Paul's nursing pin and scissors for 70 plus years.
Betty met her husband Larry when she was working in Ashcroft Hospital, and they shared a life and raised a family together for 65 years. They had many camping adventures in their VW van over the years.
Mum was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother. She cheered on their many activities from the sidelines and was very proud of all their accomplishments and those of her grandchildren. Mum worked part time as a nurse and volunteered for many years in her communities in Merritt and Chilliwack and eventually became an instructor at the local University before hanging up her nursing shoes and retiring to Salmon Arm with Larry. But she was always Nurse Betty to neighbours and friends.
Mum and Dad enjoyed 25 years living on the lake in Salmon Arm, appreciating the wildlife and the changing seasons. They continued their walks and bike rides well into their 80s and Mum continued swimming laps in the pool into her 90's. Mum was an avid reader, sewer, knitter (including hand-knitting all the cherished Christmas stockings for the extended family), and baker. If you visited Mum, there would always be a tin full of baked treats on the counter (usually including your favorites if she was expecting you). She also enjoyed keeping up correspondence with family and friends from across the world. Mum loved music, including choirs and orchestral music, but especially Pavarotti and Frank Sinatra, and would often turn up the music and sing along on a Sunday afternoon.
After Larry passed away, Mum moved from Salmon Arm to Comox to be close to family and began a new chapter in her life at the Berwick where she made many new friends.
One of Mum's favorite things of all was having family all around and laughing as she listened to tales of their antics and adventures. Mum was a great listener and magnet for people sharing their stories. She cared deeply about her friends and family and never forgot her family's birthdays. She always made an effort to make birthdays and holidays special. She had a positive, curious outlook and could converse with her many grandchildren on any topic. She enjoyed a good dinnertime conversation that extended into dessert (preferably cr猫me brulee or cheesecake).
Mum also loved animals throughout her life and had many beloved dogs and cats, but none more so than her beautiful cat, Shadow who was her companion and friend for many of her later years.
A special thanks for Dr Laura Potter-Cogan for her exemplary care, and a special thank you to Dr Phil Nasralla for coming to Mum's rescue many times. Thank you to the Berwick staff and her friends who made her years there more enjoyable.
Betty, Mum, Gran, Munner, will always be in our hearts and our cherished memories. We are so grateful to have had you in our lives and are going to miss you so much.
Additional Photo(s):
