STAFFORD, Elizabeth June 17, 1920 - March 1, 2014 Goodbye to our beloved Betty, mother, grammie, great grammie, aunt, friend. Betty was predeceased by her true love and best friend Ernie, son Colin, daughter Elane, granddaughter Keeley, parents Elizabeth and James McFetridge, sisters Elizabeth and Emily, brothers Robert and Tommy. Left to grieve are her son Richard (Krista), daughters Ellenor (Phil) and Barb (Jonathon), son-in-law Ray, daughter-in-law Judy, grandchildren Scott, Andrew (Tori), Kate (Kevin), Evan (Kassandra) Brys, Sydney, Madeleine, Emily (Clayton), Megan, Matt, Mike,and great-grandchildren Jaiden, Emrys, and Finn, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends. Betty was born in Coleraine Northern Ireland. She had a happy childhood the youngest of 5 children. She went to work in a restaurant at the early age of 14, from which came her lifelong love of cooking. During World War II, Betty joined the Navy as a WREN, where she trained as a cook. While stationed in Londonderry, she met her handsome sailor "Staff". They were married in 1945 and when the war ended they started their married life in Coleraine. They lived there happily, surrounded by friends and family, whom they visited many times in years to come, but they dreamed of a better life for themselves and their three children, Colin, Elane and Ellenor. California dreaming became their reality in 1954, joining sister-in-law, Nina, and nephew Jim. Richard and Barb joined the family, and they made a happy life in Alhambra and later La Puente. Many more friends were made but again they dreamt of something better. Canada was the plan, so Betty and Ernie packed up their 5 children, and moved to Duncan in 1961. They became members of the united church, Betty in the UCW, Ernie in AOTS. Their life was full, raising their children, working, struggling sometimes but always a team. They loved each other most but their children whom they loved, supported, encouraged, and forgave even when they were disappointed, were a close second. She was very proud of her children and grandchildren and adored her great-grandchildren who always made her smile. Ernie and Betty loved travelling together, and had many trips including across Canada and the USA, to Europe, and sailed together on many cruises. Betty will be fondly remembered for her baking and cooking. She worked as a cook for a short time at Cairnsmore Hospital, but her family and friends will remember her best for her pies, scones, and cakes. She enjoyed her home and would always welcome visitors with a hot cup of tea and some wonderful treat. Most of the joy went out of Betty's life when she lost her partner of 66 years in December 2011. Another huge loss was leaving their home due to an increasing inability to manage even with much help. In Cowichan District, Cairnsmore and Cerwydden hospitals Betty still managed to entertain with stories of her life, jokes and Irish sayings. Just a month ago Betty lost her eldest son, Colin, to lymphoma. To loose a son as well as a daughter, Elane, 9 years ago, was almost too much to bear. A second broken hip was the final insult. Betty quietly went to be with her husband, her forever love. Betty and her "Staff" are now at rest, sitting beside each other in their two comfy chairs, enjoying a cup of tea and finishing each other's sentences. Special thanks go to all the angels at Cerwydden for your special care and patience the last few months. Thanks also to the nurses of Cowichan district hospital ER, PAR, and 3 South who helped at a very difficult time. And a very special thank you from Elly, to my wonderful family and friends and all my colleagues at Cowichan District Hospital, for all your support, good wishes and love. A celebration of Betty's life will be held at the First Memorial Chapel, 375 Brae Road, Duncan on Friday, March 14, 2014, at 2:00 pm, with a tea following.