It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elizabeth Nicholson. Betty, as she was known to her family and many friends, died in Saanich Peninsula Hospital on March 28, 2026, after a brief illness. She is greatly missed.
Betty was born in Vancouver on Sept. 29, 1949, the daughter of Dr. Murdock Angus Nicholson, a physician and surgeon, and Josephine (nee Cross) of Kamloops, a registered nurse. Her beloved brother, Bud, followed two years later. Betty grew up in the family home a block from UBC campus and attended University Hill elementary and secondary schools. After graduating from high school, she went on to UBC, earning a Bachelor of Arts.
In high school she joined the Elgar Choir and went on a world tour with them. The experience whetted her appetite for travel. She made several trips abroad over the years, including one that involved a stop in Beirut. It saddened her to follow the current war raging in that city she remembered as so beautiful.
During the summer break from UBC, Betty worked in the cafeteria of the CPR Princess of Vancouver that ran between Vancouver and Nanaimo. Her first job on leaving university was in the public relations department of the then fledgling Vancouver Canucks. Her passion for steamships led her to a job at BC Ferries, where she worked in public relations for many years until moving over to the provincial government, becoming the director of communications in several ministries, notably Finance and Transportation.
During Betty’s lengthy career with the provincial government, she carried out her responsibilities with total professionalism and dedication. Even in the midst of especially challenging situations, Betty always emphasized the human impacts of her work. Despite being faced with sometimes questionable whims of politicians and senior government officials, Betty got the job done and did it well. Her colleagues, elected officials, political staff, and journalists respected Betty and truly enjoyed working with her.
In retirement, Betty enjoyed volunteering with various organizations and election campaigns, and taking long walks with her constant four-legged companion, Bella. She had a spirit of fun and enjoyed socializing with people of all ages and following politics. Betty has been described as a thoughtful and joyful presence in her neighbourhood.
She leaves behind a legion of friends and her beloved brother Bud, for whom she was, in his words, “a guardian angel” all his life.
A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 Pacific time, Wednesday, April 29 at the McCall Garden Sequoia Centre, 4665 Falaise Drive, Victoria, B.C.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Betty’s name to Dog Bless Rescue Partners Society, the Victoria Humane Society, BC Cancer Agency, BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a nonprofit of your choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Isabelle Duchene
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Carol Pocock Betty
I will miss you very much as one of my very best friends for more than 50 years. You always kept in touch, cared about how I was feeling and what I was doing even with miles of water between us. Rest in peace dear girl. I know Bud will be looked after for you.
Carol
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Sherry Downie I am so very, very sorry to find out about Betty’s passing recently. Her zest for life was one of her best qualities. Wishing you the very best Bud.
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Robin and Chris Rohrmoser Betty was the best boss I ever had and a good friend. Chris and I are deeply saddened that she has left us. We will miss our Christmas and summer lunches and talks, full of laughter, and the walks with Bella. Rest in peace, dear friend. We will miss you dearly.
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Jennifer Lock Rest in Peace, dear Betty. You were such a wonderful, beautiful neighbour. We will all miss seeing you & Bella on your walks & our enjoyable chats.
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Naiwei, Alicia, Derek She was a lovely lady and will remain so in the thoughts of all who knew her. We’ll miss you Betty. May you keep good company in the hereafter.
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Diane Dixon Grover and I miss you Betty. One of the kindest, lovely person. We loved seeing you and Bella on our daily walks. Peace be with you.
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Nancy McLeod I remember Betty as a gracious and articulate presence at long-ago meetings for all communications professionals, in the BC government. Her humanity and professionalism were an inspiration for me through my career.
My overseas condolences for her family and her brother Allan, and her colleagues. She will be reunited with her dear parents and pets in higher life. God bless.
Isabelle Duchene Belgium